Oakland Raiders

Raiders notebook: Heyward-Bey gets start against Cowboys

By Steve Corkran
OAKLAND TRIBUNE

Posted: 08/13/2009 09:31:39 PM PDT

Updated: 08/13/2009 11:58:58 PM PDT

Rookie wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey's NFL debut Thursday came as a starter opposite second-year wideout Chaz Schilens.

Quarterback JaMarcus Russell wasted little time trying out his newest target. He lofted a deep pass for Heyward-Bey down the left sideline on Oakland's third play. Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin broke up the pass, and Heyward-Bey was unable to snare the loose ball before it hit the ground.

Heyward-Bey played the first half and caught one pass for 8 yards. Fellow rookie Louis Murphy also received significant playing time and caught two passes for 39 yards.

"It was good to get a first catch, get a catch in a game," Heyward-Bey said. "I didn't think nothing of it, really."

Much-maligned safety Michael Huff made a strong case in his bid to reclaim his starting job from Hiram Eugene on just one play.

Huff reacted well to a deep pass from Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna that appeared destined for a long completion to receiver Sam Hurd. Instead, Huff arrived just as the pass did, and he outworked Hurd for the ball.

"That play out in center field like that really was something," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "He's capable of that. That's why he's back there."

Disgraced quarterback Michael Vick is coming to Oakland after all. OK, so it's only for one game, as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.