Bartell cut; Raiders make some significant roster moves
Ron Bartell was expected to come to Oakland and prove he was still a competent starting cornerback in the NFL. Bartell, who signed a one-year deal with Oakland following several years in St. Louis, was recovered from a neck injury and started in Oakland’s first game vs. San Diego. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken scapula during that game and was sidelined for a good chunk of the season. After returning from injury, Bartell struggled mightily, being beaten game after game for big plays.
On Monday, the Raiders cut Bartell, as well as fullback Owen Schmitt. Taking their place on the roster are Rolando McClain, who completed his team-imposed two-game suspension, and cornerback Chimdi Chekwa. Chekwa, who played in several games last year and actually started one, spent the first 13 games of this year on the practice squad. He and Phillip Adams, who has been playing quite well as of late, should see a good amount of time to lobby for positions next year.
As for McClain, don’t read too much into his roster reinstatement…yet. The Raiders were forced to make room for him or cut him. I see Oakland doing one of two things – They will either bench him and cut him after the season, or they will play him and see if he does well enough to merit being considered trade bait. Still, I can’t think of any teams willing to take on that salary for a risky player like McClain.
Dennis Allen and Reggie McKenzie are obviously making moves that allow them to assess some of their younger talent during the final three games of the year. Whether this means Terrelle Pryor will make an appearance on the field remains to be seen.
