Matt

Giordano

Both are veteran special teams types, who in Oakland will compete for roster spots behind Tyvon Branch and Michael Huff. Hiram Eugene is headed for I.R.

Giordano was acting as the third safety with Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch healthy.

Giordano drew scant interest on the open market despite recording career bests in tackles (70) and interceptions (5) last season as a nine-game starter. He returns to compete with Mike Mitchell for Oakland’s third safety role.

With Michael Huff converted to cornerback, Giordano has been Oakland’s starting free safety since early in the season. The injury appears to be serious.

Giordano came into the game nursing a tender calf and left woozy. His status for Week 11 is unknown.

Giordano has battled a concussion once already this season. Mike Mitchell came in to replace Giordano, but he later left with a head injury of his own. CB Joselio Hanson is now playing free safety.

Giordano appeared in nine games for the Saints last season, making three tackles on special teams. Also waived or released by the Raiders were DE Mason Brodine, S Stevie Brown, DT Jamie Cumbie, LB Chris Francis, LB Bani Gbadyu, NT Derrick Hill, DE Tommie Hill, LB Jeremy Leman, DB Sterling Moore and CB Jeremy Ware.

The 28-year-old Giordano is a special teamer without much defensive value. He’ll be the Raiders’ No. 4 safety until Michael Mitchell (knee) gets healthy.

Spencer has been out since Week 2. Michael Huff will continue to fill in at cornerback opposite Pat Lee, and Matt Giordano will start at Huff’s free safety spot. The Falcons are licking their chops at the sight of Oakland’s depleted secondary.

Huff’s limitations really hurt Oakland. Matt Giordano started and was repeatedly burned in both run support and coverage as the Bills rang up 38 points.