Denarius

Moore

Moore, an Al Davis draft pick in 2011, fell out of favor in Oakland under ex-coach Dennis Allen due to consistency and work-ethic issues. He caught just 12 passes for 115 scoreless yards last season on 237 snaps. Moore is still just 26 and has blazing speed, but has had a dead-silent market to this point.

The deal reunites Moore with OC Hue Jackson, who was his rookie-year coach in Oakland. It was under Jackson that Moore had his best season, and looked to be a future difference maker. Moore’s game steadily went downhill from 2012-14, however, with the Raiders making zero effort to keep him this offseason. Moore has the physical ability to be a playmaker down field, but has been wildly inconsistent, and prone to nicks and bruises. Reuniting with Jackson keeps him on the radar in dynasty leagues, but expectations should be low. Moore has the inside track on No. 4 duties in Cincinnati.

“I’m pleased,” Jackson said. “I went back and got him because I know who he is, I have history with him. I think we kind of understand each other, and he gave us the best opportunity to win now, so that’s why he’s here.” Palmer has more interceptions than touchdowns this season and has shown mixed results in six post-retirement starts. Denarius Moore (ankle) is expected back this week, but remains just a low-end WR3 option. Palmer also won’t be a recommended standard league play against the Lions.

Coach Hue Jackson warned that it was coming because he doesn’t want to take any undue risks of injury with his two most explosive playmakers. Both players will be in the lineup once the regular season rolls around. Michael Bush started for McFadden while training camp sensation Denarius Moore filled in for Ford.

Corkran has done a 180 on his DHB prediction from February after the Raiders failed to address the position in free agency. We noticed tangible improvement in Heyward-Bey’s hands, route running, and run-after-catch explosion down the stretch. He closed out the season as a top-10 fantasy receiver over the final five games, averaging 5.8 receptions and 91.2 yards. Corkran also believes Carson Palmer will be “much, much better” and Denarius Moore will “live up to the hype” this season, leaving Jacoby Ford as the third option in the passing game.

CSN lists Heyward-Bey as the top receiver with Denarius Moore second and Jacoby Ford in the slot. Oakland figures to use more two-tight end sets than it did in 2011, but all three are vertical threats and will get plenty of opportunities to make big plays. Rookies Juron Criner and Rod Streater will also push for snaps.

Coach Hue Jackson also announced that Denarius Moore would be Oakland’s primary punt returner against the Jets. We don’t want to read too, too much into it, but it’s possible the Raiders will scale back Moore’s offensive reps in favor of an increased special teams role. Heyward-Bey might then start. Moore is a dicey WR3 in a potential matchup with Darrelle Revis on a potentially reduced snap count. We should know a little more by Sunday.

The three receivers have three things in common: They all have well above average speed and athleticism, they were all drafted by the previous regime, and they have all have durability concerns. If rookie Rod Streater shows that the last two weeks were not a mirage, the Raiders may be even more inclined to listen to offers.

Ford isn’t making cuts, but he reportedly was impressive running in a straight line, showing “a nice burst.” There are fewer details on Moore, but the Oakland beat writers seem to believe both have a shot to play against Detroit.

Ford is having treatment on his sprained foot today, and doctors will ultimately determine whether he can practice or play. Consider him questionable to return in Week 14 against the Packers. Denarius Moore (ankle) also said Monday that he won’t discuss his own injury because “we really don’t know yet.” Moore doesn’t know if he’ll practice this week and also seems questionable.