ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Oakland cornerback Charles Woodson was
upgraded to probable Thursday for the Raiders' upcoming game
against San Diego.
Woodson, a four-time Pro Bowler, hasn't played or practiced with
the Raiders since breaking his shoulder in the second quarter of
Oakland's win over Pittsburgh on Sept. 15.
But Woodson has been working out on his own for several days,
and showed enough progress for the Raiders to upgrade him from
doubtful for Sunday's game.
"It's a strength thing, I believe,'' Raiders coach Bill
Callahan said. "I'm not quite sure, but it's getting stronger,
it's getting looser. He's been out here working with the trainers
and watching practice. He's making good progress. (It's) just
getting that shoulder stronger so we can take on contact.''
Woodson left the Raiders' training complex without comment.
When Woodson was injured, the Raiders said he would be out
four to six weeks. Sunday's game will mark the four-week
anniversary of his injury.
Callahan said Woodson would not be activated for a backup role.
He would play only if he's ready to start.
"As long as that shoulder's strong enough, he's conditioned
enough and with the coverage that we play, man-to-man, we'd feel
very positive that we could put him on the field and that he could
play a full game,'' Callahan said. "He's making some moves and
getting stronger.''
Woodson has been bothered by injuries in the past two seasons.
Last year, he was unable to practice with the Raiders over the
final two months of the season while he battled a turf-toe ailment,
but he played well enough to earn his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl
in as many seasons.
The Raiders want Woodson to return to the lineup quickly. Rookie
cornerback Phillip Buchanon, who's starting in Woodson's absence,
has struggled and become a frequent target for opposing
quarterbacks. Tory James, Oakland's other starting cornerback, also
has been inconsistent.
When Woodson was healthy, the Raiders allowed only 178 yards
passing per game, but in the three games since his injury,
Oakland's pass defense has been the defense's weak spot.
Oakland's defense is third in the NFL against the run but 29th
against the pass.