Ron

Bartell

Bartell was recently released by the Rams in a salary cap move after a fractured neck limited him to one game last season. Bartell finished fifth in Football Outsiders’ Success Rate (65 percent) and yards per pass (5.2) back in 2010. Doctors have advised that his neck injury doesn’t put him at any increased risk going forward.

Bartell was released last week after starting all six of his games with Oakland this season. Although he was a liability in coverage, the 30-year-old is worthy of a flier in Detroit. The Lions need the depth with Jacob Lacey (knee) headed to injured reserve.

Heads continue to roll in Oakland, though Bartell was actually brought in by the new regime. Signed to be a starter, Bartell ended up missing Weeks 2-9 with a neck injury, and wasn’t effective when on the field. Injuries have now limited the former Ram to just seven of a possible 29 games the past two seasons. He’ll turn 31 in February. Oakland will go forward with Michael Huff and either Joselio Hanson or Phillip Adams at cornerback.

It’s a busy afternoon in Oakland, as Bartell’s signing comes on the heels of new guard Mike Brisiel’s pact. The top corner left on the market, according to Rotoworld’s Evan Silva, Bartell lacked ball skills in St. Louis but had success shadowing opposing No. 1 receivers before last season’s neck surgery. Given a clean bill of health by the doctors of the Rams and Raiders, Bartell should slot in as Stanford Routt’s replacement.

“I’ve been completely (healed) and 100 percent since about March,” Bartell said. “I feel great.” He’s been told that he’s in no increased risk of injury as a result of the neck surgery. Bartell and Shawntae Spencer ran as the starting cornerbacks in Tuesday’s practice.

Bartell broke his left shoulder blade in Monday night’s Week 1 loss to the Chargers. After being a very durable player to start out his career, Bartell has been hit hard with injuries in his last two seasons. He can return to practice as early as October 27th, but can’t suit up until Week 10 at the earliest. Pat Lee will step in and man the Raiders’ left cornerback spot in Bartell’s absence.

Bartell will immediately step back into the starting lineup after Oakland released Pat Lee to make room for his return. He and Michael Huff will be the starters with Joseilo Hanson working as the nickel back. The Raiders also placed CB Shawntae Spencer (foot) on injured reserve on Saturday. Bartell has been out since Week 1.

Limited to just one game by a severe neck injury last season, Bartell entered Week 1 as the Raiders’ starting left corner. He’s now in line to miss as much as two months. He’ll be replaced by Pat Lee. Bartell was having a rough game in Monday’s loss before going down. Bartell had missed only two games in five years before getting hurt in Week 1 last season.

Trainers were working on Bartell on the Oakland sideline. He has been victimized by Philip Rivers, giving up gains of 23 yards and 46 yards. Pat Lee replaced Bartell in the lineup.

Bartell, Oakland’s top corner, was placed on the injured reserve/designated to return list and is eligible to resume playing in games on November 11 -- Week 10. He can resume practicing on October 27. The Raiders need their front four to keep playing like they did against Matt Ryan to mask the secondary deficiencies.