Andre Holmes suspension is up, now what?

One of the bright spots for the Raiders in training camp and preseason was the play of wide receiver Andre Holmes. The third year receiver was claimed off waivers from the Cowboys last May and looked like he might make a push for the roster on a team without a lot of top tier talent at the position. Those hopes took a hit when he was suspended for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing drugs.

That suspension was four games and that four games is now up and he is eligible to be activated immediately. The Raiders have a week to make a decision on whether to activate or release him.

"We'll have to see him," said Allen. "He's been suspended, so we haven't even been able to work with him for a month, for four games. We'll have to see how he is when he gets back in here."

In the event the Raiders do choose to activate him, the question then becomes who gets released to make room for him on the roster?

If you think in terms of the receiver position and the fact that most teams carry five of them, the obvious cut candidate would be Juron Criner. He saw action in 12 games last season as a rookie but former round five pick has yet to be activated this season after a lackluster training camp and preseason. His lack of breakaway speed and inability to get open have kept him off the field and could have his days numbered.

If the team opts to keep six wide receivers, they could cut Matt McCants providing Menelik Watson is on schedule to return from his knee injury. McCants was called up from the practice squad as the utility backup behind starts Khalif Barnes and Tony Pashos. The team would hope he clears waivers so he could be again placed on the practice squad.

We could find out Andre Holmes' fate by Wednesday or the decision could be delayed until next week.

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