Raiders Tailgate Insider – DHB, Darren McFadden,Javon Walker,

Darrius Heyward-Bey struggled to catch the ball at practice sunday, at one point leaving three catchable passes on the ground, one time punting a drop into the air in frustration. Keep in mind none of these plays came against defenders. Heyward-Bey gave his Rickey Dudley impression in the presence of Al Davis, who was driven over in a golf cart to talk to Heyward-Bey afterward.

The chances of Raiders Javon Walker becoming a major contributor this season continue to diminish. He was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list at the start of training camp while he continues to rehab from offseason knee surgery, and he told reporters that it will be two or three weeks before he’s able to participate. Head coach Tom Cable indicated he had no specific time in mind for his return, but it’s clear the team is prepared to move forward with Chaz Schilens, Johnnie Lee Higgins and rookies Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy as its top four receivers.

Tom Cable wants to see running back Darren McFadden get more touches in his second season.

“He’s a real key for us,” Cable said of McFadden. “When you look at us when we used him many ways, not just as a runner, but many ways, we were much, much better offensively. So (the goal is) to expand on that role and make him a key part of what we’re trying to do.”

McFadden had 499 rushing yards and 285 receiving yards in his rookie season, but only touched the ball an average of 11 times per game.

“If I stay healthy, and I’m going to try to stay healthy, I’m looking forward to seeing how much more they want to put me out there,” McFadden said. “But you’re going to see a lot more this year.”