| Raiders RT Khalif Barnes looks like he is ready to return to the starting lineup against the Saints . (US Presswire) |
Raiders RT Khalif Barnes took most of the practice reps with the first team Wednesday, and all signs point to him returning to the starting lineup Sunday against New Orleans.
Barnes hasn't played since suffering a groin injury in Week 2 against Miami and undergoing surgery. Willie Smith started the past seven games at right tackle and has struggled, primarily in pass protection, giving up multiple sacks and committing costly penalties.
"It'll be good because he's an experienced guy, has played a lot of football," Raiders coach Dennis Allen said of Barnes' return to the lineup. "I think he'll help us not only in the run game but also in the passing game."
Barnes has 80 career starts over eight seasons, the first four years with Jacksonville.
Barnes returned to practice last week but was inactive for Sunday's game at Baltimore because he needed a few more days to get back into football shape.
"I feel pretty good," Barnes said Wednesday. "Took most of the snaps today. Yeah, felt better than I expected. Every time I've done something new, it's always been better the next time I've stepped back on the field."
Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer said it will be "great" to have Barnes back against the Saints.
"He's a leader," Palmer said. "He's a great guy in the huddle. He's been around a long time, played a lot of games, played against a lot of good football players. Doesn't get rattled, doesn't get shaken. We're excited to have him back. He brings a good energy to the huddle and a good energy to the team."
Barnes, who played at the University of Washington, will line up Sunday against Saints defensive left end Cameron Jordan, a second-year player out of Cal, who has a team-high six sacks to go with 44 tackles, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
"He looks pretty good actually," Barnes said. "Real slippery guy. Works hard, plays hard every play, from what I've seen. Can slip through the cracks on you. Has a few different pass rush moves. So he kind of reminds me of a couple people. I know (Raiders defensive end) Andre Carter went to Cal, too, so he kind of puts me in mind of kind of like him. Maybe not as big yet but I know he can rush the passer and I know he plays hard. It's going to be a nice challenge for me out there on the edge, but it's the NFL. I'm looking forward to it. You always got to love challenges."
Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter @CBSRaiders.