Sports 4 Dorks

JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, made his NFL debut at quarterback for the Raiders on Sunday.

Russell, who missed all of training camp in a contract dispute, came in to start the second quarter of the game against Denver at Oakland. Russell completed his first pass on a sprint out to Jerry Porter, showing off his powerful arm, and directed two series before being replaced by starter Josh McCown.

He completed 4 of 7 passes for 56 yards.

Russell left LSU following his junior season and the Raiders took him No. 1 in April’s draft, passing on, among others, Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas and Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.

After drafting Russell, the Raiders than began stockpiling quarterbacks, trading for McCown on draft day and later signing free agent Daunte Culpepper to add to a roster that already included Andrew Walter. The Raiders continue to carry four quaterbacks on their roster.

Russell hadn’t appeared in a game since LSU’s Sugar Bowl victory over Notre Dame on Jan. 1.

He had his struggles in his brief time on the field, bobbling a handoff to LaMont Jordan and fumbling a shot-gun snap that appeared to be a little off line.

After his second series, the Raiders forced a turnover and a quick camera pan to the sideline appeared to show Russell scrambling to find his helmet to return to the field. McCown began that series instead and it’s unclear if that was by design or Russell made a rookie mistake.