Brandian

Ross

Undrafted last year out of Stanford, 5-foot-11, 218-pound Stewart held his own with 101 yards on 25 carries across four appearances. He averaged a sturdy 4.0 yards per carry behind Oakland’s putrid run-blocking line, whereas Darren McFadden’s YPC was 3.3. Stewart will battle Rashad Jennings for backup duties.

Branch is considered questionable for Sunday’s game against the Jets. His return would be a boost as Brandian Ross has been among the worst safeties in the league since stepping in.

Ross was signed off the Packers’ practice squad, where he’d been since 2011. He racked up 12 preseason tackles, and has a chance to stick in the Raiders’ banged up and ineffective secondary. Of course, the vast majority of his snaps should come on special teams.

A 6-foot, 191-pound former undrafted free agent from Youngstown State, Ross will compete for a roster spot behind penciled-in starter Usama Young.

It is a one-year, $570,000 contract. Ross recorded 75 tackles and two sacks in 13 starts for the Raiders in 2013. He’s much better suited to a backup role.

Along with the 6'4" Tori Gurley, converted quarterback Borel was given a hefty bump in pay to turn down offers elsewhere while staying on the Packers practice squad. The two promising projects could end up competing for one roster spot with Donald Driver likely moving on from Green Bay.

A jack of all trades but master of none, Ross has played both safety positions, some slot corner, and special teams over the past three seasons. The 25-year-old projects as Oakland’s No. 3 safety this year -- behind FS Nate Allen and SS Charles Woodson -- though Ross should face competition in camp.

Ross, an impressive undrafted rookie from Youngstown State, got caught up in a numbers game and the Packers had to keep fourth-round pick Davon House over him. Ross should pass through waivers and land on Green Bay’s practice squad.