NFL

• Raiders to start Gradkowski at QB

  
  

  Alameda, CA (Sports Network) - The Oakland Raiders have elected to start Bruce Gradkowski at quarterback Sunday against Cincinnati instead of JaMarcus Russell.

  Russell, the first overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, has struggled in his third season in the league. In nine starts for 2-7 Oakland, he has completed 46.8 of his passes (96-for-205) for 1,064 yards and two touchdowns against nine interceptions.

  In last Sunday's loss to Kansas City, Russell was pulled in the fourth quarter for Gradkowski.

  Gradkowski has appeared in three games this season for the Raiders, completing 17-of-30 throws for 163 yards and two interceptions.

  He last saw extended starting time in 2006, his rookie year, when he played 13 games (11 starts) for the Buccaneers.

  In those contests, Gradkowski completed 177-of-328 passes for 1,661 yards, nine TDs and nine interceptions.

  11/18 18:41:07 ET