Gunzlingr
08-13-2003, 04:25 PM
NAPA -- The Oakland Raiders company line is that running back Charlie Garner's mysterious knee injury is nothing to worry about.
Given Garner's history of durability and recuperative powers, the assessment seems plausible enough, and coach Bill Callahan's inclination to sit him out of Thursday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers is the logical move.
It does give pause for consideration of Garner's value and what the Raiders would do if they ever lost him when it matters.
For now, it will be Tyrone Wheatley starting at Candlestick Park, quickly giving way to second-year man Madre Hill and rookie third-round draft pick Justin Fargas.
Part of the evaluation process by Raiders coaches in choosing their running backs will be to determine which player or players would help pick up the slack in a regular-season game should Garner have to sit.
Although unsure exactly how Garner sustained the injury or even which knee it was, Cal- lahan said the running back had an MRI that showed no structural damage.
MORE (http://www.oaklandtribune.com/Stories/0,1413,82~10835~1567749,00.html)
Given Garner's history of durability and recuperative powers, the assessment seems plausible enough, and coach Bill Callahan's inclination to sit him out of Thursday night's game against the San Francisco 49ers is the logical move.
It does give pause for consideration of Garner's value and what the Raiders would do if they ever lost him when it matters.
For now, it will be Tyrone Wheatley starting at Candlestick Park, quickly giving way to second-year man Madre Hill and rookie third-round draft pick Justin Fargas.
Part of the evaluation process by Raiders coaches in choosing their running backs will be to determine which player or players would help pick up the slack in a regular-season game should Garner have to sit.
Although unsure exactly how Garner sustained the injury or even which knee it was, Cal- lahan said the running back had an MRI that showed no structural damage.
MORE (http://www.oaklandtribune.com/Stories/0,1413,82~10835~1567749,00.html)