Michael Huff to miss second preseason game for birth of his first child

The Raiders hopped on a bus immediately following practice today to head to the airport for their flight to Arizona. Michael Huff wasn't on that flight. Instead he will be attending the birth of his first child.

Huff had a great first game of the preseason last Monday versus the Cowboys and playing in this game is not in any way critical. He appears to have a firm grasp on this defense and his role in it.

Huff's absence from the lineup will give his backups more reps. Matt Giordano is expected to replace him with the first team. Usually when a starter is out, the backup plays with the starters and then stays on the field when they switch out for the second team.

This is what Miles Burris did in the preseason opener with Aaron Curry not playing. Curry too did not travel with the team as he is still in Los Angeles seeing specialists about his knee.

Behind Huff and Giordano at the free safety position is Brandon Underwood followed by UDFA rookie, Chaz Powell. The team could opt to let the veteran Giordano sit early in favor of giving Underwood, who was acquired this offseason as a free agent, and rookie Powell more reps.