Oakland Raiders

Asomugha's support helps Raiders land Manning Jr.

By Steve Corkran
Oakland Tribune

Posted: 08/15/2009 09:03:51 PM PDT

Updated: 08/16/2009 12:13:30 AM PDT

NAPA —The Raiders signed veteran cornerback Ricky Manning Jr. on Saturday in a move designed to provide more depth.

Manning, 28, spent last season with the St. Louis Rams. Before that, he played for the Chicago Bears for two seasons and the Carolina Panthers from 2003-05. He played in Super Bowls with the Panthers and Bears.

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said he lobbied on Manning Jr.'s behalf last week and that Manning Jr. is a versatile player.

"He's more of a physical corner than a speed guy, so that might be a little different from what we had in the past," Asomugha said. "But he'll help because he's done it before. And you know about the games that he's played, his playoff work and all that stuff, so he can play."

Manning Jr. stands only 5-foot-9, but he compensates for his lack of height with above-average speed and strength.

"I felt this was a good situation just because it's closer to home and there's opportunity here," Manning Jr. said after his first practice. "There's always opportunity here for players that come in and play well. It's a good opportunity for me. I grew up a Raider fan, so it's kind of hard for me to say no."

The Raiders worked out 11-time Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks on Friday, but they didn't offer the 14-year veteran a contract. Yet.

Brooks worked out for the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday, but he left town without a contract offer.

The Raiders then jumped in.

Brooks, 36, started every regular-season game the past 13 seasons for the Tampa Buccaneers and 221 of 224 since he entered the league in 1995. Brooks played weak-side linebacker for the Buccaneers, the position played by Thomas Howard for the Raiders the past three seasons.

Backup quarterback Jeff Garcia missed practice Saturday for personal reasons, coach Tom Cable said. Garcia has not practiced since the Raiders went to pads Aug. 3 because of a strained right calf. Cable said it's to the point where Garcia needs to practice before he falls too far behind.

"I'm concerned," Cable said. "We made a lot of progress with the calf "...once he gets back, we can go to work. So, (I'm) looking forward to him getting back and getting to work. But I'm very concerned about that."

Wide receiver Javon Walker said he is slated to practice for the first time Aug. 24 and, if all goes well, play in Oakland's exhibition game against the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 29. Walker is rehabilitating a right knee that required surgery in April.

Linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba (shoulder), center John Wade (shoulder), receiver Louis Murphy (hip), safety Mike Mitchell (hamstring) and defensive tackle Terdell Sands (quadriceps) were among those who missed practice. "... Linebacker Jon Alston (foot), Asomugha (heel) and offensive lineman Mark Wilson (back) returned to practice. "...

The Raiders released tight end John Paul Foschi to make room for Manning Jr. on the 80-man roster.