Andre

Holmes

ESPN Dallas reported last week Holmes was displaying a “serious case of skillet palms,” but did allow the Cowboys were still intrigued by his skill-set. Per the Morning News’ Brandon George, Dallas "(loves) his upside.” The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Holmes could make a strong run at Dallas’ No. 3 receiver job with a solid preseason.

Although Holmes has been cut twice since late November -- first by Dallas and most recently by New England -- he’s 6-foot-4, 210 with 4.45 speed and the Raiders need all the talent they can get. He’ll compete for a roster spot.

He was targeted eight times in the passing game. Holmes had been the Raiders’ best receiver over the last four weeks, but took a step back with Terrelle Pryor at quarterback. He finishes his second NFL season with 25 catches, 431 yards, and one touchdown. Holmes will be back at a $645,000 salary in 2014.

Moore missed practice Wednesday and is questionable at best for the matchup with the Titans. It’s a big chance for Holmes, an impressive physical specimen at 6'4/210 who high-pointed a 33-yard catch against the Texans last week. He’s a name for extreme deep leaguers to put on watch lists as Matt McGloin breathes some life into the Raiders passing game.

Moore has missed the last three games with a shoulder injury, but is now on track to return this week. He won’t be more than a WR4 if active in Week 15 against the Chiefs, but he will cripple Andre Holmes’ sleeper appeal.

James Jones and Rod Streater are 1 and 2. Holmes came on strong in the latter half of last season, wrapping up his second NFL campaign with 25 catches for 431 yards (17.2 YPR) and one touchdown. He was Oakland’s best receiver over the final month. Moore is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The coaching staff has tired of his inconsistency. We wouldn’t be surprised if Moore was traded this summer. Holmes, 26 years old and 6-foot-4, 210, is a deep re-draft sleeper and savvy Dynasty league hold.

Holmes was serving a four-game PED ban, and the Raiders didn’t activate him for Week 5. The third-year undrafted free agent will bring up the back of Oakland’s receiver corps. There’s no guarantee he’ll keep his roster spot through the end of the season.

With both Holmes (hamstring) and Butler inactive, Juron Criner is active for the first time in 2013. Rookie OT Menelik Watson (calf, knee) will also be making his 2013 debut, but should come off the bench.

Holmes, 25, was claimed off waivers from the Patriots in May. Last season, he caught two passes for 11 yards in seven games with the Cowboys. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Hillsdale product may be waived in the coming days.

He led the Raiders in catches and yards and scored their lone passing touchdown. Holmes didn’t get into the game much until the fourth quarter when Michael Crabtree left with a concussion. His touchdown came with the Raiders trailing by 20. Holmes has big-play ability at 6'4/210 and will be a free agent in March after posting a meager 18-176-4 line in 2016. Holmes is a valued member of the Raiders but would be wise to look for an increased role in free agency at 29 years old.