Mike

Williams

He continues to line up behind Kevin Johnson on the depth chart. The Lions are bringing him along slowly, so we’ll downgrade our projections.

When Williams will be released is still uncertain, but he’s fully expected to be off Detroit’s roster by the start of the season. It’s possible Lane Kiffin will be willing to give up a sixth- or seventh-round draft pick to reunite with the best red-zone threat he ever coached at Southern Cal.

Porter likens Kiffin’s scheme to what he played in under Jon Gruden, for whom he put up some of the best seasons of his career. Ronald Curry will be the split end, which could lead to fewer catches but more downfield, big-play opportunities. Slot candidates are Johnnie Morant, Doug Gabriel, and Johnnie Lee Higgins. Mike Williams is also in the mix.

McCown will battle JaMarcus Russell to start, but Oakland is believed to want the rookie to sit out some or all of his first year. Williams gets a shot to resurrect his career under Lane Kiffin, who coached him at USC. He could be used around the red zone, but don’t expect much.

With Mike Williams still on the sidelines, Travis Taylor and Doug Gabriel appear to be the leading candidates for the number three receiver job behind Curry and Jerry Porter.

Fargas had been nursing the injury since late in 2006. He may need Michael Bush to begin the year on PUP to make the Raiders out of training camp. In other injury news, Mike Williams continues to nurse a hamstring strain.

He’s behind learning the team’s new offense and has been out since June 5, his first practice with the team.

Williams was targeted just twice, with both throws coming his way before halftime.

Williams missed much of the Raiders’ pre-camp offseason work and is not guaranteed a roster spot, although he reportedly caught the ball well Friday. If he’s healthy, at least he has a chance.

Taylor is going to play flanker, the same position as Jerry Porter and Williams. Williams has been missing time with a hamstring injury. It’s quite possible Taylor and Williams are battling for one roster spot. Starter Ronald Curry also missed practice with a minor injury.