The Oakland Raiders are heading into an important season for the immediate future of the franchise and after general manager Reggie McKenzie built up the roster over the past few years, depth at some positions will be tested heading into 2013, including at wide receiver after it was announced that Andre Holmes was suspended for violation of the NFL performance enhancing substance policy.
During training camp, according to ESPN.com, Holmes was suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season after violating the league policy on performance enhancing substances, but he will still be allowed to practice with the team and play during the preseason. Holmes released a statement and said that he was surprised about the positive test, which was for a banned amphetamine in April, and added that he was sick during the time and said that one of the medications he took was likely responsible. Holmes said that after consulting with the NFLPA that accepting the suspension without appeal was the proper move to make.
Holmes has a chance to make the team, after the Raiders ditched Darrius Heyward-Bey during the offseason and signing Joshua Cribbs and drafting Brice Butler. Holmes added that he plans to work hard during the preseason and apologized to his teammates and his coaches. Holmes comes to Oakland after being placed on waivers by New England and last season he had two catches for 11 yards in seven games with the Cowboys. Head coach Dennis Allen said that the team knew about the issue and was expecting it and had no further comment.
The Raiders have some battles for roster spots at wide receiver with Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore and Brice Butler likely being the top names on the depth chart and the team needs all the help it can get since they are breaking in a new quarterback with Matt Flynn. Last season Carson Palmer put up some solid numbers as the team ranked eighth in passing yards per game, but the running game was inconsistent and coach Dennis Allen is hoping a new running scheme will open things up for Darren McFadden.
Last season McFadden dealt with injuries once again and the team finished 28th in rushing yards per game and now that he is heading into a contract year, McKenzie is hoping that the former first round pick can rush for over 1,000 yards again like he did back in 2010. The team went just 4-12 last season and offensive coordinator Greg Olson is hoping that a power running scheme will be the right fit for McFadden, who has shown great skills out of the backfield as a receiver.
