Raiders rookie QB Russell not expected to start this season

Nov 20, 2007 - 7:49 PM OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin does not expect rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell to start this season, the Oakland Tribune reported Tuesday on its web site.

Kiffin told the newspaper on Monday that he does not want Russell to endure the kind of pounding that many young signal-callers absorb when they are thrust into action.

The top overall pick in April's draft, Russell has not been higher than the third-string quarterback at any point this season for the last-place Raiders (2-8). He has yet to take a snap in anything other than practice.

"(Russell) is going to be a great player," Kiffin told the Tribune. "You're going to say, 'Well, could you be missing (out) right now? Could he be winning all these games?'

"I can't tell you he couldn't. No one can. But, from what I see and how he has come along, it's not time."

Kiffin added that, if anything, Russell will be eased into action in the middle of a game in a situation that is more conducive to his succeeding.

"I've said all along that you really want this guy to perform well," Kiffin told the newspaper. "You want to do the best you can to put him in that situation.

"You study these guys that have come out, these high picks - there's a list of them. They haven't been able to rebound from when they go in right away."

Daunte Culpepper is expected to make his sixth start for the Raiders on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs (4-6). But Kiffin said there is a chance Russell could be the No. 2 quarterback.

Culpepper likes what he has seen of Russell, who didn't sign with Raiders until September 12.

"He's making big strides, and he's continuing to work," said Culpepper, who has five touchdowns and five interceptions this season. "He has a great attitude, and as long as he continues to have that attitude, he's going to be successful."