JaMarcus working out with wideouts

Posted by Mike Florio on July 9, 2009 12:13 PM ET

The report that Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell ditched the final day of the offseason program suggested to us that the first overall pick in the 2007 draft still doesn't understand the level of commitment necessary to become a true franchise quarterback.

But here's some evidence that maybe he's starting to figure it out.

Jason La Canfora of NFL Network recently reported that Russell has made good on a vow to spend some of the actual out-of-season down time working out with the team's receivers away from the practice facility.

Per La Canfora (via RaiderBeat.com), Russell paid for the teammates to fly to Alabama for the extra run/throw/catch sessions.

While it doesn't mean that Russell finally has acquired the kind of uncompromising passion to succeed that often helps a quarterback lead his team to the top of the NFL's version of Mt. Rainier, it's a step in the right direction.

And now he's only got about 14,410 to go.