Russell to prove he's game-ready

ALAMEDA -- First came a report that Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell had ballooned to 320 pounds or so. Then another and another, until it became almost an accepted fact.

Never mind that none of the reports attributed Russell's alleged 50-pound weight gain to Russell, his agent, a family member, or anyone from the Raiders. Or that none of the stories was accompanied by a photo as evidence.

At this rate, it wouldn't be long before someone had Russell converting to guard or defensive tackle.

Not to worry, though. Russell still is the Raiders quarterback, and he isn't lining up in a three-point stance. That much was crystallized when Russell performed at one of the team's offseason workouts Thursday.

"Right now, I'm 269," Russell said after practice. "I was never ever even close to 300 pounds."

Russell, who stands 6-foot-6, is 14 pounds more than his listed weight last season but only a few more than the figure at which he intends to play this season, he said.

"I still have some more weight to lose, probably five, six more pounds," Russell said. "But I'm OK."

That's welcome news to the Raiders, given that Russell is the anointed starter this season and someone viewed as vital to the team's overall success.

Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said Thursday that Russell has spent more time at the team's facility this offseason than any other player. The dedication and work is apparent in Russell's play so far.

"It shows his commitment to the team and

to the players," Kiffin said of Russell's offseason preparation. "They see that. They notice his body being different. He has great energy about himself, and he looks really good. He's moving around great and making plays on the run. I know it just creates a good feeling around the locker room as well."

Russell missed all of training camp and the first week of last season because of protracted contract negotiations. Players began to wonder if he would ever show up.

By the time he signed, there wasn't much spare time for the coaches to bring him up to speed. Even then, there was no way for Russell to make up for the countless practices, meetings, exhibition games and bonding time he missed.

Now, Russell seems hell-bent upon making people forget about his rookie season.

"I've been here over the offseason just trying to better myself," Russell said. "I missed a lot of time last year. I'm just here to show my teammates that it was a business thing before and now I'm here with you guys. From this time to last year, 100 percent better. I feel a lot better and am able to move a lot better."

Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker has played on teams that featured strong-armed quarterbacks such as Green Bay's Brett Favre and Denver's Jay Cutler. So Russell's fastball hasn't caught him off guard.

"I've been fortunate enough in my career to play with a quarterback who had a strong arm, and that's something I developed (a skill for), catching a fast ball," Walker said. "He's one of those guys that have that ball. The more and more we work together, the better that we're going to be."

So now we know that Russell hasn't been a regular at the local Bob's Big Boy restaurant buffet line. Yet, that hasn't stopped Kiffin from calling Russell "Big Boy" in reference to the stories about his weight.

"It's all fun and jokes," Russell said, "just a reason to get myself better and just keep myself in shape."

Notes: Defensive end Derrick Burgess, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, running back LaMont Jordan, left guard Robert Gallery, kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler were among the handful of players absent. Gallery is fresh from getting married. Asomugha has not signed his one-year tender as the team's exclusive franchise player and is prohibited from attending practice. ... Receiver Ronald Curry had foot surgery two weeks ago and also did not practice. He is expected back in two weeks or so, Kiffin said. ... Free safety Stuart Schweigert "tweaked" his leg and missed practice. ... Fred Wakefield is working out on the defensive line. He played tight end last year in training camp before sustaining a season-ending knee injury. ... Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly watched practice, but he won't be healthy enough to return from the knee injury he sustained last season until training camp, Kiffin said.