McClain returns to practice, Huff continues to get work at corner

There were two interesting developments to begin practice today. First off, Rolando McClain was back practicing after missing Wednesday's practice with a concussion. Second Michael Huff takes some snaps at corner for the second day in a row.

What the returns to practice means for McClain is that he passed his first concussion test. While that is encouraging for his chances of playing, it is far from a sure thing. He will have at least two more before Sunday's home game against the Steelers. There is one tomorrow before practice and one before the game on Sunday. He must pass the first to practice and the final one before he is cleared to play on Sunday.

McClain returning is not a sure thing. He was asked about the concussion, which he suffered during the Dolphins game in Miami, and he couldn't remember when it happened. You could go one of two directions with that. Either he hit his head hard enough, he had some memory loss OR it was mild enough that he didn't hardly notice it.

Cornerback and kick return specialist, Coye Francies, also returned to practice from his concussion.

As for Huff working at corner, it doesn't come as a big surprise. He was expected to see some action as a nickel corner in certain packages. Although, it would appear he has been added to a few more packages of late. This does not mean Huff is switching to corner full time... at least not for now.

The Raiders are desperate for some solid cornerback play. They lost both of their starters Ron Bartell, and Shawntae Spencer, in the first two games and the fill-ins, Pat Lee and Joselio Hanson, have looked outmatched. Huff will not remedy the issues with Lee and Hanson but he could help with the lack of depth behind them.

Currently the Raiders cornerbacks consist of Lee, Hanson, Philip Adams, Coye Francies, and the newly acquired Brandian Ross. With a group like that, adding Huff can only help.

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