PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Jenkins Sharp at New Position

When Robert Jenkins was told that he would be replacing injured Gerald Perry at left tackle last week, he had to think hard about the last time he had played the position.

After all, the former UCLA lineman had spent most of his seven seasons with the Rams at right tackle before signing as a free agent with the Raiders in July.

“Trying to figure out how many times I played (left tackle) is difficult,” said Jenkins, who was formerly known as Robert Cox at UCLA. “I think the last time I played there was 1991.”

Despite being inactive for the first six games of the season, Jenkins stepped in against Atlanta and played as if he had played the position all his life. Against the blitzing Falcons, Jenkins--along with Greg Skrepenak, who made his first start at right tackle--helped lead the Raiders to a 30-17 victory.

“I think that I played well, but I should be better after getting more reps in practice this week,” Jenkins said. “I never realized this before, but a certain nature comes with playing the position.”

Perry is expected to sit out at least the next three games because of a broken ankle.

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Safety Eddie Anderson has not practiced this week and is listed as questionable because of a groin pull for Sunday against Houston. Coach Art Shell said that if Anderson is unable to play, Patrick Bates will start at free safety with Derrick Hoskins at strong safety.

Against the Oilers’ three-wide receiver offense, the Raiders will also have to count on Dan Land to play more in their nickel coverages if Anderson is out.

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After gaining a career-best 107 yards against Atlanta, running back Harvey Williams is expecting more of the same against the Oilers.

“As a running back, you have to get in the flow of the game, and I was able to do that,” said Williams, who leads the team in rushing and is second in receiving. “I think it was a little overdue for me. I think I could have done the same at Kansas City if they had let me. The key thing for me is that I’m doing it here now.”