Bowman believes Raiders have title shot

Oct 19, 2017 - 2:22 AM ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Linebacker NaVorro Bowman, wearing the same No. 53 but in silver and black, likes the idea of a change of scenery -- even if it is still in the Bay Area.

"It's a refresher for me. ... a new picture, new scenery," Bowman said following his first practice with the Oakland Raiders, who signed him after he was released by the San Francisco 49ers Saturday.

"Guys are a special group of guys," the four-time All-Pro said. "You can see the talent they have on the offensive side of the ball. I'm excited. I'm excited for an offense that's eager to score points and I look forward to it."

Bowman, who said he would give it his best shot to be available to play Thursday night, was undaunted by the Raiders' disappointing record and thinks a championship is still in play.

"We're 2-4, two games behind (actually three)," Bowman said. "I feel like this is a team that could do that. I'm excited. I love the challenge. I think the guys do, too. It's about how you respond to adversity, not about when it happens. I look forward to it."

Head coach Jack Del Rio got to know Bowman during the offseason on a locally produced television show called the "Coaching Corps Game Changer Awards" where each man honored mentors from their past.

"A very impressive young man to me, kind of a man's man," Del Rio said. "He's been a tough player, been part of a really good defense for his entire career. I had a chance to talk to him about the kind of veteran leadership it would be nice to have."

Said Bowman: "You could just see how coach Del Rio welcomed his conversation and just showing me that he respected my game. It's always been mutual love for the situation. It came around. We were able to pursue it and get me here. It looks good."

--Rookie linebacker Nicholas Morrow, who started out of position in the middle against the Chargers, and weak-side starter Cory James were pleased to have Bowman both in the meeting room and on the field.

"I mean you see the film -- he's a monster," Morrow said. "He's been doing it a high level for a long time. It's always good to learn from someone like that. A true vet; an All-Pro. It will be exciting to learn from him."

James, who has been battling a knee injury and played only seven snaps against the Chargers, said Bowman can "get to the ball and make plays like a Ray Lewis-type person is supposed to do."

--Things are looking up for wide receiver Amari Cooper. He caught five passes against the Chargers -- one more than he had the previous three games combined.

The plays totaled only 28 yards, but Cooper had gains of 31 and 19 yards called back by penalty. Cooper is willing to be patient.

"Any time you play a team sport, you have to be selfless," Cooper said. "We have a lot of playmakers so the ball has to go to a lot of different people. That's good for the offense."

--Second-round draft pick Obi Melifonwu practiced for the first time since being placed on injured reserve. He can't play for two weeks and overall the Raiders have a total of 21 days to either activate Melifonwu -- as Del Rio expects -- or leave him on injured reserve for the duration of the season.

"I feel 100 percent," Melifonwu said. "It was just beyond fun to be out there and practice with the team."

Ideally, Melifonwu would be play in the Raiders Nov. 5 game in Miami.

By starting the clock on Melifonwu, the Raiders have one move remaining with players on injured reserve. That means that either guard Denver Kirkland, a solid backup who also serves as an extra lineman in power situations, or kicker Sebastian Janikowski will end up not playing this season.

Janikowski was put on injuerd reserve with a back injury and Giorgio Tavecchio hasn't missed a field-goal attempt as his replacement.

Looking around the roster:

--Tackle Marshall Newhouse did not practice with a foot injury and will be replaced by Vadal Alexander if he can't play.

--Linebacker Cory James did not practice with a knee injury and will be replaced by Xavier Woodson-Luster or Nicholas Morrow if he can't play.

--Linebacker Nicholas Morrow was limited with a foot injury and his status is not known for the Chiefs game.

--Guard Gabe Jackson was limited with a foot injury, but is expected to play after playing every snap against the Chargers.

--Cornerback Gareon Conley did not practice with a shin injury and there is no timetable for his return.

--Linebacker Marquel Lee did not practice with a foot injury, missed the Chargers game and will likely be replaced by NaVorro Bowman in the middle.

--Fullback Jamize Olawale was limited with a concussion and his status is uncertain for Kansas City.

--Tight end Lee Smith was limited with a knee injury, but is expected to face the Chiefs.