The mystery surrounding the addition of Trindon Holliday has now been solved.
The reason why the Oakland Raiders signed the aging return specialist is that seventh-round pick Andre Debose was waived/injured with an Achilles injury. If Debose clears waivers, as he likely will, he will revert to injured reserve and be eligible to play in 2016. Debose has a history of injuries. He missed a season at Florida with a torn ACL. Now, he is dealing with another major injury. He is already 24.
In theory, Debose’s injury is a blow for the Raiders. The Florida product was impressing in OTA sessions. But he was no sure thing to make the 53-man roster because the Raiders are deep at receiver and may need to keep six, thus Debose would be an extra specialist. The Raiders already carry Taiwan Jones, who is a core special-teamer without a true position. Keeping Debose and Jones in addition to their traditional specialists -- kicker Sebastian Janikowski, punter Marquette King and long snapper Jon Condo -- would be a commitment for a rebuilding roster.
That’s exactly the challenge facing Holliday, a 29-year-old former return star with Denver. He has been cut three times in the past year. Expect this situation to be fluid for Oakland.
Other return candidates include running back Latavius Murray and cornerback TJ Carrie. But they both may start and the Raiders may not want to use them on special teams. That also may be the case with No. 4 pick Amari Cooper. He has been working as a returner in the OTAs, but he may be way too valuable as a receiver to risk injury on special teams.
UPDATE: ESPN’s Adam Caplan is reporting the Raiders are signing receiver Kris Durham. He had 38 catches with Detroit in 2013, but had just six catches with Tennessee last season. The 6-foot-6 Durham is probably a longshot to make the 53-man roster. The Raiders have not made the signing official.
