Johnnie Lee

Higgins

Porter likens Kiffin’s scheme to what he played in under Jon Gruden, for whom he put up some of the best seasons of his career. Ronald Curry will be the split end, which could lead to fewer catches but more downfield, big-play opportunities. Slot candidates are Johnnie Morant, Doug Gabriel, and Johnnie Lee Higgins. Mike Williams is also in the mix.

Cable said Walker would start if Louis Murphy, who mildly sprained his foot Tuesday, can’t play in the exhibition finale. Higgins led Raiders wideouts in receiving last year (not saying much), but has had a rough preseason and will focus on returns. The position will be moot when Chaz Schilens heals.

It looks like JaMarcus Russell’s starting receivers will be kick returner Johnnie Lee Higgins and rookie Chaz Schilens against the Texans. Banged up tight end Zach Miller (stinger) will be easy for the Texans to focus on stopping with Higgins and Schilens likely to be left in single coverage all game. Oakland isn’t likely to move the ball on Sunday.

Oakland had hoped rookie Johnnie Lee Higgins would fill the role, but he didn’t show much early in the season. Carr is also the team’s dime back.

The Raiders have inserted Johnnie Lee Higgins on punts and Carr doesn’t see much action in the base or nickel defense. The Eagles recently brought back Reno Mahe, but Carr has a better track record of return production.

Higgins ran back two punts during the preseason: one for 90 yards, and one for 54 yards that was called back on a holding penalty. If your league fields a special teams unit, he could be someone to watch.

The UTEP alum and former battery mate of Jordan Palmer (Redskins) will battle for time in the slot initially and may overtake Chris Carr on kick returns.

Higgins had a 54-yard return negated because of a holding penalty last week. He is in position to take punt returning duties from Chris Carr and could end up being a deep threat for the Raiders this season. He also does backflips when he scores.

Darrius Heyward-Bey is Oakland’s “X” wideout of the future, but a lost spring due to hamstring woes may have him behind Higgins. Still, we’d expect Higgins to move into more of a slot role with Heyward-Bey and Chaz Schilens outside by midyear at the latest. Higgins’ main duties are in the return game.

The Raiders are going to start their two rookie receivers, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy. Higgins will be a non-factor.