Russell set to make his first start today

OAKLAND – Practicing twice a day in the summer and playing in the exhibition season.

That’s just part of what JaMarcus Russell missed as the business side of football kept him out of training camp and the first week of his rookie season.

There’s another part of the business Russell missed while away from the team while his contract was being negotiated all summer.

Cutdown day before the season. And if the prolonged contract talks that led to his $68 million contract as the first overall pick in the 2007 draft didn’t show it, seeing players continually cut and re-signed during the season reminded Russell the game he loves is no longer fun and games.

That ranks at the top of what has surprised Russell in his first four months in the NFL.

“I’ve just seen the life and the business part of football,” Russell said. “I’ve seen some guys come, some guys go in the middle of the season, with one week left. You just really know that it’s a business.”

Since Russell signed with the Raiders on Sept. 12, there has been a collective effort to make the most of his truncated rookie season.

That work culminates today when he makes his first start against the visiting San Diego Chargers.

Although Russell completed just 7 of 23 passes, including his first career touchdown, with three interceptions and a lost fumble in last week’s blowout in Jacksonville, coach Lane Kiffin concluded that the rookie’s education needed to continue with a start.

“I just feel that it’s a good opportunity to get a start, not going into next season having never started a game,” Kiffin said.

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