LOS ANGELES -- The Raiders have formally activated cornerback Daryl Worley to the 53-man roster, after the 23-year old practiced all week on a roster exemption.
Worley is eligible to return from a four-game suspension imposed for violating NFL policies on substance abuse and personal conduct.
Defensive lineman Tank Carradine was released in a corresponding move. He started training camp as the first-team base defensive end, but was surpassed by veteran Frostee Rucker on the depth chart.
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Carradine was consequently inactive for three of the first four games, clearly disappointed in his role after signing a one-year contract with the Raiders in free agency. The former 49er will now be able to find an increased role with another team, an objective sought after he left Santa Clara this March.
The Raiders have a glut of cornerbacks, with Gareon Conley, Rashaan Melvin, Leon Hall, Nick Nelson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and now Worley in the mix.
Expect Conley and Melvin to remain starters, with Worley and possibly Rodgers-Cromarite rotasting in for an occasional series. Worley was pushing to start at outside cornerback before the NFL's punitive action, but believes he stayed up to speed thanks to an alter NFL rule that allows players to join meetings and work out at the team training complex while suspended. They were previously banned from coming to work all together.
Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said he would eventually like to find every-down cornerbacks, but hasn't yet decided on a set. Guenther is excited to see what Worley can bring to the defense, and whether he can push the current starters.
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“Daryl is a seasoned guy," Guenther said. "He was one of our best corners in the spring. When he got here in training camp, he’s a tough guy. He understands the different techniques we’re trying to teach. He understands the zone concepts we’re trying teach and the man concepts we teach. It’s going to be a good added piece for us and a well-need piece.”