Raiders coach Dennis Allen said Wednesday that veteran LB Aaron Curry wasn’t a good fit. (US Presswire) |
One day after waiving Aaron Curry, Raiders coach Dennis Allen gave a brief and cryptic explanation for parting ways with the veteran linebacker.
"We just didn't feel like he was a fit for us moving forward," Allen said.
Curry, who has battled sore knees since the offseason, played in just two games after being activated from the PUP list. He drew two personal foul penalties in his first game back against Baltimore and barely saw the field against New Orleans.
The Raiders have a spot to fill on their 53-man roster, and Allen said he expects to fill it before Sunday's game at Cincinnati.
"I think there’s a possibility we might fill it with a practice squad player, but we don’t have to make any type of decision until the end of the week, so we’re going to hold off," Allen said.
Kaelin Burnett, the only linebacker on the practice squad, is a likely target. He's a rookie from Nevada.
Moore on injury report: Starting wide receiver Denarius Moore, who missed most of training camp and the regular-season opener with a hamstring injury, was limited in practice with a sore hamstring.
"It's just something that felt a little tight, just a precaution to make sure it's not something that's going to set me back," Moore said.
"I don't think that's really a big issue," Allen said.
Branch update: Starting strong safety Tyvon Branch, who missed last week's game with a neck injury, was a limited participant in practice Wednesday.
Branch said he was feeling "a little bit" better. "It's getting better every day. I just have to keep trying to get better."
Branch's streak of 57 starts ended Sunday. He was on the field hours before kickoff, testing his neck and working out with a trainer.
"I thought I was going to be able to play, but it just wasn't working for me," Branch said.
Sack drought: The Raiders have just one sack the last three games, and their lack of an explosive pass rusher off the edge is becoming more and more evident. During the offseason they parted ways with Kamerion Wimbley, their best edge rusher.
"I don’t think we have the great speed rusher coming off the edge like a lot of people do," Allen said. "I think our guys can rush the passer and we’ve just got to work together and understand how to work together as a four-man rush."
Extra points: Defensive line coach Terrell Williams returned to work Monday and was on the field for his first practice Wednesday since the death of his son, Tyson. Williams missed the last two games. ... RB Marcel Reece practiced full despite appearing on the injury report with knee and hamstring injuries. ... RBs Darren McFadden (ankle), Mike Goodson (ankle) and DT Richard Seymour (hamstring/knee) missed practice again. All three have been out since being injured against Tampa Bay on Nov. 4.
Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter @CBSRaiders.