Jerry

Porter

Porter underwent surgery to help the condition in week two last season, and never fully recovered. Yet another sign Porter is due for a big season.

He’s upset at the lack of throws he’s seeing in Oakland’s spread-the-wealth offense. We are too. If Porter can’t go off against New Orleans this weekend, we’re nearly ready to give up on him this season.

''I owe it to myself to get my market value, if not (sign with) some team that will pay me more than market value.’' Porter should be able to do better on the open market. Baltimore, Houston, and the Giants are three teams that should be interested.

Porter can void the deal after three seasons. It’s a remarkably reasonable deal for the Raiders and a sign the WR market may not have huge price tags this offseason. Porter has a world of talent, but still hasn’t topped 1,000 yards in a season.

Signing him before free agency would be an upset, but the Raiders are reportedly “very motivated.” Porter is a fine fit in Oakland and would make a nice fantasy combo if he stays with Kerry Collins.

It appears Porter could return earlier than expected from his hamstring strain.

After spending the morning bunny-hopping on one leg with a trainer watching, Porter commented, ''I guess they want to see my tolerance for B.S.’'

Porter clashed with Oakland coach Art Shell in 2006, but had an OK contract year in 2007 before busting in Jacksonville last season. He shouldn’t cost more than the minimum and the Raiders lack much experience at wideout.

Culpepper will go against his former team, the Vikings. The last time Culpepper faced a former team (the Dolphins in Week 4), he accounted for five touchdowns. Don’t look for him to repeat that success this week, but Culpepper can’t be much worse for Ronald Curry and Jerry Porter’s stats than Josh McCown (out, thigh) had been the last two Sundays.

He’s battling a calf injury and a bruised ego. Neither situation has shown signs of letting up, making Doug Gabriel a player rising up our boards this month.