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| MLB Rolando McClain reportedly wrote on Facebook that he is "officially no longer a Raider." (US Presswire) |
Starting middle linebacker Rolando McClain missed practice Wednesday for what coach Dennis Allen called "team-related issues," raising speculation that the Raiders will part ways with the No. 8 overall pick of the 2010 draft.
Kyle Burger of WVTM-TV in Birmingham, Ala., Tweeted that McClain wrote on his Facebook page that he was "Officially no longer an Oakland Raider!!" and "I'd like to be anywhere besides here."
Allen said he didn't know whether McClain would return to practice Thursday, but he declined to give any specifics on his situation.
"No more details, no more comments, just team-related issues," Allen said after practice.
The Raiders have not announced any transaction involving McClain, and a team spokesperson said he was still on the roster as of Wednesday afternoon.
Omar Gaither, a seventh-year pro who started 36 games for the Eagles and four for the Panthers, worked at McClain's spot with the first-team defense. The Raiders signed him as a free agent on Nov. 14.
"I've had my best years at (middle linebacker), and I like (middle linebacker) the best," Gaither said. "I just like being in control, period. If I was on offense, I'd be a quarterback."
Gaither said he hasn't been told anything by coaches about what his role will be Sunday against Cleveland. But if they need him to start at middle linebacker, he said he'll be ready.
"I've been blessed with the ability to learn fast," Gaither said. "This is a perfect situation for that. ... Obviously I never started as an Oakland Raider. There would be a little (learning) curve there, but I've played (quite) a few games at Mike linebacker."
Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter @CBSRaiders.
