After just over a year on the roster, Barksdale has been waived, according to Adam Caplan of The Sideline View. New general manager Reggie McKenzie has now waived three of Oakland's seven draft picks from 2011 and Jones has recently been dropped to third string on Oakland's depth chart.
It makes sense to dump Barksdale considering the recently-signed Willie Smith leapfrogged him on the depth chart and rookie Tony Bergstrom was getting reps at tackle. It opens up a roster spot for the Raiders, who could use it to sign a free agent or a player from the practice squad.
The Raiders confirmed they signed wide receiver Tori Gurley to the practice squad. Gurley had tweeted that he had joined the Raiders last night, but it was unclear if he had been added to the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
Gurley's addition is an indication that it might take a few weeks for Darrius Heyward-Bey to return from the concussion he sustained on Sunday. Heyward-Bey was carted off the field after a helmet-to-helmet hit and spent the night in the hospital. Juron Criner is also nursing an injury, and Gurley could be elevated the the 53-man roster if Criner is unable to play.
Other AFC West news:
Denver
Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post notes that the Broncos will continue to face the best tight ends in the business.
Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post tweets that the Broncos are practicing in full pads and veteran right guard Chris Kuper returned to practice for the first time since fracturing his forearm during the preseason.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
