Daniel

Loper

Fill-in Daniel Loper didn’t embarrass himself while replacing Gallery in Week 2, though it was against the Rams. Loper will face Arizona’s interior combos of Darnell Dockett, Bryan Robinson, and rookie Dan Williams this weekend.

Loper, 28, has five starts in five career seasons. The fit in Oakland is somewhat odd because Loper has never played in a zone-blocking scheme like the Raiders’. He’ll compete for a roster spot as a swing guard/tackle.

The deal includes $300K in bonuses and a first-year salary of $1.9 million. Loper, 29, started four games last year at left guard in place of an injured Rob Gallery. Loper performed poorly and typically has whenever given an opportunity, but he is currently considered the favorite to replace Gallery in 2011.

Oakland signed Loper to a two-year, $4.2 million deal before the lockout but has apparently finally realized he just isn’t very good, even for a backup. The Raiders also waived or released WR Shaun Bodiford, WR Shawn Bayes, TE Kevin Brock, WR Chad Jackson, WR Eddie McGee, P Glenn Pakulak, G Alex Parson, RB Louis Rankin, G Roy Schuenig and RB Manase Tonga.

Loper, a second-year player, is expected to battle Jacob Bell and Daniel Stewart to start at right tackle for the Titans this season.

Loper was one of the Raiders’ final cuts in September. He’ll give the Cowboys another veteran option at guard in place of Bill Nagy, who is out for the season with a broken ankle.

Loper was let go last week to make room for an extra punter. Now P Mat McBriar is healthy and Loper is back as depth along the offensive line.

Loper has been on and off the Cowboys’ roster all season, but he’s been a healthy scratch on game days. Perhaps he’ll be re-signed for the NFL playoffs.

Re-signed just two days ago, Loper has yet to appear in a game this season. He appeared in 10 games for the Raiders in 2010, starting four.

Loper was just waived from the roster last Friday. He replaces LG Montrae Holland, who was placed on injured reserve with a torn left biceps muscle.