Anquan Boldin returned to a limited practice. Boldin said, “It’s only week one. I’d rather sit out game one as opposed to sitting out four or five other games. You just have to use your discretion.” That doesn’t sound good for his prospects of playing in Week 1. Steve Breaston would be first in line to start, but he’s dealing with a sore knee, so Jerheme Urban could potentially eat into Breaston’s snaps.

Pierre Thomas has been officially ruled out for Week 1. Mike Bell, Mike Bell, Mike Bell. I wrote on Tuesday that Thomas owners (and even non-owners) should grab Bell. He’s a solid RB2/flex play against the hapless Detroit rush defense.

Cassel is questionable for Week 1. Not a big surprise here. Owners should probably keep Cassel on the bench even if he does play. The Ravens are a bad matchup for any passing game.

Bernard Berrian and Kevin Walter are both game-time decisions. It would be wise to sit both players even if they do play, assuming that you have a decent option to plug in. It’s tough to battle back from a hamstring injury and be effective right away.

Kyle Orton will start against the Bengals. It’s not a terrible matchup, but Orton’s preseason performance is not encouraging. Only use him if you’re desperate (or you’re in a 2 QB league). It does help that Brandon Marshall is behaving.

Raiders name Darren McFadden as their starting RB. He has had a very impressive preseason, so this is just a formality. Even if he didn’t start, he’s going to play a ton of snaps because he is easily the Raiders most explosive player. (And he better perform, because I started him over Santonio Holmes this week!)

Reports coming out of Raiders training camp surrounding JaMarcus Russell have been mostly negative as the third-year quarterback continues to struggle with consistency and trying to get his timing down with his receivers.

But in Oakland’s 31-10 win over Dallas in the Raiders’ preseason opener on Thursday night, Russell showed the poise that once made him the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. He completed six of his nine pass attempts for 50 yards and while his average pass only went for a messily 5.6 yards, it was a promising start for a player who is expected to turn the corner this year as a quarterback.

Granted, one preseason game in which he only threw for 50 yards isn’t going to tell us whether or not Russell is finally developing. But he has looked so poorly at times during his short career that it’s worth mentioning when he resembles a NFL quarterback.

Of course, Russell wasn’t the key performer in Oakland’s first preseason win and neither was former first round pick Darren McFadden, although he did rush four times for 63 yards (15.8 average).

That distinction goes out to former seventh round pick Chaz Shilens, who hauled in five passes for 52 yards. Shilens, who has a nice blend of size, speed and hands, is starting to emerge as a nice go-to receiver for Russell in the passing game and could turn out to be the Raiders’ best playmaker this season.

Players like Matt Ryan, Chris Johnson and Joe Flacco have already pulled a seat up to the proverbially NFL dinner table after turning in solid rookie seasons. But which second-year players (who didn’t have great success in their rookie campaigns) are set for breakout seasons in 2009?

Here are 10 that jump out to me:

(Note: I consider players like Ryan, Johnson, Flacco, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Forte and Steve Slaton as already having breakout seasons, so you won’t find them on this list.)

In no particular order:

1. Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders
Justin Fargas is a favorite of head coach Tom Cable’s in Oakland, but the Raiders didn’t select McFadden with the fourth overall pick in last year’s draft not to take full advantage of his talents. Thus far this summer, the Raiders have lined McFadden up not only at running back, but also at receiver and even quarterback. With Cable calling the offensive plays this season, McFadden is set to see plenty of opportunities to excel in Oakland’s offense and as long as he can stay healthy (a turf toe injury slowed him down last season) the former top 5 pick could emerge as the Raiders’ most potent offensive weapon. The one part of his game that he’ll need to improve on, however, is his ability to run between the tackles. If he can’t, the hard-running Fargas will steal plenty of McFadden’s touches this season.

2. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Bills
McKelvin already broke onto the scene as a kick returner in 2009, racking up the most return yardage in the AFC with 1,468. But this is the year McKelvin could turn heads as a cornerback. After emerging as a playmaker down the stretch last season, the Bills decided to make McKelvin a starter opposite Terrence McGee for 2009. McKelvin received plenty of criticism for having poor ball skills while coming out of college, but anyone who watched Buffalo’s 54-31 romp of the Chiefs in Week 12 last season knows that he’s up for the challenge of playing DB in the NFL. In that game, McKelvin intercepted Tyler Thigpen twice, including on a 64-yard touchdown after reading what Thigpen wanted to do with the ball, jumping the slant route and getting underneath the receiver to make the pick. Now that he’s a starter and playing opposite McGee, McKelvin will have plenty of opportunities to show we can do in ’09.

3. Sedrick Ellis, DT, Saints
Ellis finished with four sacks, 30 tackles and four pass breakups in 13 games as a rookie last season, but he did so while having to learn both the three-technique, and the nose position. This summer, the Saints want Ellis to focus solely on the three-technique position, which would make him the primary interior pass-rusher on their defense. With him concentrating more on providing a push up the middle and less on occupying multiple offensive linemen in run defense, Ellis could double his sack output from a year ago and start to emerge as one of the better interior pass-rushers in the NFL.

4. Keith Rivers, LB, Bengals
If it weren’t for Hines Ward’ jaw-breaking crackback block in Week 7 of last season, Rivers wouldn’t be on this list because he was already having what appeared to be a breakout year as a rookie. Rivers has fully recovered from the jaw injury, as well as offseason arthroscopic ankle surgery, and could lead the Bengals in tackles this season if he stays healthy. He was one of the few bright spots on Cincinnati’s defense last season and with the addition of Roy Williams, Abram Elam, Tank Johnson, Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson this offseason, Rivers might be freed up to make plenty of plays in ’09.

5. Branden Albert, OT, Chiefs
After reporting to OTAs in March weighing a hefty 341 pounds, Albert quickly got into shape after new head coach Todd Haley cracked the whip on his left tackle. Albert is reportedly down to 305 pounds, which is the lightest he’s been since high school. Assuming his strength won’t be zapped due to the weight loss, Albert should excel by being in better shape and having more experienced than a year ago. While it’s tough to measure whether or not offensive linemen can have breakout seasons, maybe one sign that Albert is on his way to becoming a quality tackle is how well Larry Johnson and Matt Cassel fare this season. Personally, I think both players are in store for solid ’09 seasons and Albert will likely be a big reason why.

6. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Cardinals
This is an easy one; Rodgers-Cromartie was named a started in November last season and quickly made an impact by intercepting four passes in the final seven games of 2008 and two more in the playoffs. Given the opportunity to start for an entire 16-game season, DRC could easily amass 10 inceptions in his second season. He’s incredibly talented and is a gifted athlete. He also has enough ability to shadow the opposition’s number one receiver, as he did with the Falcons’ Roddy White and the Panthers’ Steve Smith in the postseason last year.

7. Kenny Phillips, S, Giants
After coming out of Miami early following a somewhat down junior season, a lot of teams passed on Phillips in the first round last year. The Giants snatched him with the No. 31 overall pick and while he didn’t set the stat sheet ablaze last season, he did show signs of why he was once considered a top 15 pick. Since last season, Phillips put on 16 pounds of muscle and is expected to start this year at one of the two safety positions. He’s physically gifted and certainly has enough tools to succeed in the NFL, so if he can prove that he can become a vocal leader in New York’s secondary, then Phillips could make a huge impact for the G-Men this season.

8. Donnie Avery, WR, Rams
Avery just suffered a stress facture in his foot and will be sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks. The injury certainly puts a damper on the start of his ’09 campaign, but that doesn’t mean he can’t recover to turn in a breakout season. He caught 53 receptions for 674 yards and three touchdowns last season and could explode in the Rams’ newly installed West Coast Offense. The injury, Marc Bulger’s lousy play and/or an inexperienced offensive line could hinder Avery’s breakout status. But he certainly has the speed and playmaking ability to build off the success he had last season.

9. Curtis Lofton, LB, Falcons
Some may label what Lofton did in 2008 as a breakout season considering he totaled 94 tackles and forced a fumble while starting 15 games for the Falcons as a rookie. But there’s reason to believe that he’ll make an even bigger impact in his second season, gain more national attention and thus, turn in a true “breakout” season. Lofton started in the middle of the Falcons’ defense last year, but was replaced in nickel situations because Atlanta was concerned about his pass coverage abilities. But Lofton shed eight pounds this offseason and is expected to be a three-down ‘backer this year. Considering the amount of opportunities he’ll have being on the field at all times, Lofton could become Atlanta’s team-leader in tackles and maybe even make his first Pro Bowl appearance.

10. Martellus Bennett, TE, Cowboys
Bennett has had a tumultuous offseason after receiving criticism for filming a profanity-laced YouTube video (which he was fined for), but his desire to become an Internet sensation shouldn’t sidetrack what he could do on the field this season. At 6’6”, 265 pounds, Bennett is so talented that the Cowboys are implementing more two tight end packages this season to take advantage of his playmaking ability. His development in the passing game could also be another reason why Dallas decided to cut T.O. in the offseason. While some don’t like his cockiness and feel that he lacks focus, there’s no denying Bennett’s talent.

Notable Free Agents: Nnamdi Asomugha (re-signed), CB; Shane Lechler (re-signed), P; Chris Johnson (re-signed), CB; Jake Grove, C; Cooper Carlisle, G.

Projected 2009 Cap Space: $4,000,000

Draft Order: 7

Top Needs: Not unlike other teams selecting at the top of the draft, the Raiders are mostly in need of offensive line help. Defensive line, wide receiver and linebacker could also be addressed.

Offseason Outlook: The Raiders’ top priority was to ensure that cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha didn’t hit the open market, and they accomplished that by inking him to a new three-year, $45 million contract. Asomugha’s deal is complex and you can read more details here, but the bottom line is that he’ll once again anchor the Raiders’ secondary in 2009.

Al Davis also re-signed punter Shane Lechler to a four-year, $16 million contract. That might not be big news to some, but considering how much the Raiders punt during the regular season, re-signing Lechler was a wise move.

The biggest challenge Davis now faces is how will he free up enough cap space to address other needs. The Raiders were sitting at $4 million under the cap before the re-signings of Asomugha and Lechler. Are cuts coming? If so, who will be shown the door?

One name that has recently come up in trade speculation is defensive end Derrick Burgess, who the Raiders are rumored to be shopping. Burgess becomes a free agent after the 2009 season so it would make sense that Oakland would trade him now in order to gain compensation. If they were able to trade him, they would free up $3.5 million in cap space, which isn’t a huge amount but it would help.

Even if they were able to free up some cap space, don’t expect Davis to go hog wild this offseason, although it won’t be because he doesn’t want to. Davis is always willing to spend big for talent, but the cap is going to hamstring him this year. Instead, expect the Raiders to make a push to re-sign center Jake Grove and then focus on mid-level free agents and the draft.

Oakland head coach Tom Cable is apparently confident in Mario Henderson as his starting left tackle again next season. Robert Gallery is entrenched at the left guard position and assuming the team can re-sign Grove, center will be taken care of as well. But the entire right side of the line needs to be addressed.

The Raiders are in prime position to take one of the top offensive tackle prospects that’ll be available in April. Virginia’s Eugene Monroe and Baylor’s Jason Smith are regarded as the top tackle prospects, but they might not fall to Oakland at No. 7. Instead, Ole Miss offensive tackle Michael Oher could fall right into the Raiders’ laps at that spot. Monroe and Smith are getting more attention, but Oher is a fantastic athlete who has the size, strength and athleticism that all teams covet on the offensive line.

Assuming Davis goes with Oher in the first round, he then could address the right guard position in the second or third round. Oregon State’s Andy Levitre, Cincinnati’s Trevor Canfield and Wisconsin’s Kraig Urbik are just three guard prospects that could be available in the second or third round.

Of course, this is assuming that Davis decides to rebuild the offensive line, which would be wise considering the money he’s already spent on quarterback JaMarcus Russell and running back Darren McFadden. Why spend millions of dollars on Russell and McFadden if you’re not going to protect them? But again, this is Davis we’re talking about – he loves speed and flash. That said, Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree and Missouri wideout Jeremy Maclin will also be considered at No. 7. (It should also be noted that Oakland is also considering cutting Ronald Curry and bringing back Jerry Porter, who spent last year in Jacksonville.)

Defensively, the Raiders re-signed cornerback Chris Johnson, who filled in admirably once bust DeAngelo Hall was released in midseason. Rumor has it that Michael Huff will be cut this offseason, which means Rashad Branch and Hiram Eugene will be given a chance to start at free safety, although Branch would need to be re-signed.

If the Raiders do trade Burgess, they may consider selecting Texas’s Brian Orakpo, who is regarded as the best defensive end prospect in the draft. If they keep Burgess, upgrading the defensive tackle position will need to be a priority. A top dollar free agent like Albert Haynesworth is out of the question, but Missouri’s Evander Hood and Auburn’s Sen’Derrick Marks will be available in the second round. If they’re lucky, maybe Ole Miss’s Peria Jerry will slip to the second. But that’s unlikely.

1. Miami Dolphins (Original Pick: Jake Long, OT, Michigan)
RE-DO PICK: MATT RYAN, QB, BOSTON COLLEGE
Chad Pennington has been superb, and Chad Henne is locked and loaded as the Dolphins quarterback of the future. But Ryan is in the midst of one of the greatest seasons ever by a rookie quarterback, and you don’t pass on that given a second chance. Just like Ben Roethlisberger in our inaugural re-draft of 2004, Ryan shoots to the top of the heap.

2. St. Louis Rams (Original Pick: Chris Long, DE, Virginia)
RE-DO PICK: JOE FLACCO, QB, DELAWARE
You think Flacco lingers to No. 18 on the board this time around? Uh, no. It’s a quarterbacks league, and while I’m not sure anyone could win in St. Louis about now, Marc Bulger sure isn’t getting it done. The list of teams that wished it had believed in Flacco last spring is getting longer all the time.

3. Atlanta Falcons (Original Pick: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College)
RE-DO PICK: JAKE LONG, OT, MICHIGAN
Without the Falcons getting their quarterback in this slot, they would turn to their need at left offensive tackle, where they took USC’s Sam Baker after trading back into the first round at No. 21. Long, Ryan Clady and Duane Brown have all excelled at LT this year, but the ex-Wolverine has been a solid pro.

4. Oakland Raiders (Original Pick: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas)
RE-DO PICK: CHRIS JOHNSON, RB, EAST CAROLINA
We all know Al Davis loves speed, but in Johnson he gets speed that has actually produced as a rookie. McFadden has just one 100-yard rushing game, and that came in Week 2. Johnson has been a spectacular season-long contributor to Tennessee’s overwhelmingly successful running game.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (Original Pick: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU)
RE-DO PICK: CHRIS LONG, DE, VIRGINIA
The Chiefs have gotten virtually zero impact out of Dorsey, and they sure could have used some defensive line help to offset the loss of the traded Jared Allen. Long has modest statistics, but his four sacks are a good first step in the right direction. Don’t forget it took Mario Williams until year two to find his groove.

It’s always interesting to look back at the draft every year after most of the regular season has been played out. In April, Glenn Dorsey was arguably the best defender in the draft but as Banks points out, he’s made no impact for the Chiefs. Granted, these players are just 14 weeks into their young careers so a lot could change, but how wrong was everybody (myself included) who suggested the Falcons should have taken Dorsey over Matt Ryan? It would have looked like one of the biggest draft blunders of the year, assuming of course Dorsey was equally ineffective for Atlanta.

- Steven Jackson’s status for Week 9 is still up in the air after being “limited” in practice on Thursday. Jackson is battling a quad injury. (Belleville News-Democrat)

- Cowboys’ TE Jason Witten will be a game-time decision this Sunday in New York. He did not practice on Thursday as he continues to nurse a rib injury. (DallasCowboys.com)

- Rookie Darren McFadden apparently has turf toe on both of his feet and isn’t expected to play Sunday against the Falcons. (ESPN)

- It might not be this week, but the Lions are expected to give Drew Stanton a shot at quarterback sometime this season according to beat writer Tom Kowalski. (Mlive.com)

LaDainian Tomlinson’s toe must be feeling better, because the back rushed for 106 yards and two touchdowns, including a 41-yard run to ice the game with just over a minute to play. LT essentially saved a poor passing day by Philip Rivers, who struggled to throw for only 180 yards and two picks.

Raiders’ second-year QB JaMarcus Russell looked better today, throwing for 223 yards and a touchdown, but once San Diego’s defense clamped down in the fourth quarter, Oakland could do nothing offensively. Michael Bush was their leading rusher, gaining only 48 yards on 14 carries. Rookie Darren McFadden did play, but was limited to only 20 yards on seven carries due to injury.

So what happens to head coach Lane Kiffin now? I’m sure by tonight a report will surface that he’ll be fired on Monday, but who knows what Al Davis will do. He obviously doesn’t have a replacement ready for Kiffin, so maybe this charade will go on for another week.

The following edits were made to this post: In the first paragrah, the score was changed from 21-18 to the correct final score, 28-18. Also in the first pargraph, the number 18 was changed to 25.