Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell will have had almost a week off before testing his sprained right ankle in Wednesday's practice, though he sounded unsure Monday if he'd be able to do that.
"I don't know, it depends,"
Russell said. "I have to wait and see. I still have (today) to go through."
Russell left Thursday night's game in San Diego in the second quarter and had to be carted off the field.
Interim head coach Tom Cable isn't making plans for backup Andrew Walter to lead the offense as the Raiders prepare to host the New England Patriots on Sunday. "He'll practice,"
Cable said, adding Russell would be limited. "He'll be ready to go."
Russell is wearing a protective walking boot and said an MRI showed "a lot of bruising."
But the ankle injury wasn't the only negative for Russell from Thursday night's game.
Russell was criticized on television for missing a production meeting with the NFL Network the day before the game.
Cable said last week that Russell felt bad and understood missing the meeting was a mistake.
Russell said he just needed time to settle into his hotel room after the flight from Oakland to San Diego.
"They called, and I wasn't going to rush downstairs,"
Russell said. "I was just getting off a plane flight. By the time I got down there, they were gone. If they want to go on with it, then that's their job and I'm not really too much worried about it."
Russell said he understands such media demands are among his many responsibilities as an NFL quarterback.
"It's a lot, but by being that guy you've got to be willing to carry that load on your shoulders,"
Russell said. "If you can't do it, this job is not for you."
Injury update – Center Jake Grove (calf) will practice in a limited role Wednesday. He's missed the past four games.
Whether he returns to the starting lineup would be determined by Friday, Cable said.
Wide receiver Ashley Lelie (concussion) is expected to practice after missing last week's game.
Linebacker Ricky Brown (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Patriots.
Toy drive – Safety Gibril Wilson and defensive end Kalimba Edwards will be at the Raider Image store at Southland Mall in Hayward from 6 to 8 p.m. today to sign autographs in exchange for toys.
The appearance is part of the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program.
Running backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush will sign autographs for the program from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16 at The Raider Image at NewPark Mall in Newark.
The Marines will collect unwrapped toys valued at $25 or more.
The Raiders will also collect toys at their final home game, Dec. 21 against the Houston Texans. Marines will be at Gates A, B, C, and D and the west side plaza to collect toys.
