Raiders head coach Tom Cable asked JaMarcus Russell to take on a leadership role this offseason, and Russell’s decision to schedule a series of practices with his receivers between the end of summer workouts and training camp was a step in the right direction. Russell, who is entering his second season as the full-time starter, still has plenty of doubters, though, even on his own team. Recent reports say Russell skipped the final day of OTAs, which was a poor decision on his part. Aside from Jeff Garcia himself, S Keith Davis is the only player to publicly say the squad would be better off with Garcia as the starter, but sources say Davis shares that sentiment with other members of the club. There’s little doubt that Russell will be the starter come Week One, regardless of his performance in training camp and preseason games, and he will keep the job unless he completely unravels early in the regular season.

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are, now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.