Raiders don pads for evening workout

The Raiders donned full pads for the first time during their evening practice Thursday, a workout

Backup quarterback Andrew Walter was held out of the session due to a sore arm. Defensive tackle Gerard Warren was held out as well with a lingering thigh injury, though team officials don’t believe it’s too serious.

On the field the Raiders went through a two-hour practice under the lights and wore full gear for the first time this training camp. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell showed no lingering effects of the elbow injury that had slowed him the previous two days. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha made a nice interception off Marques Tuiasosopo and running back Darren McFadden continued to display the dazzling speed that made him a star in college.

But easily the most entertaining portion of practice came at the end when the offense and defense squared off near the goal line.

The offense had the upper hand for the most part simply by pounding the ball up the middle. Running backs Justin Fargas and McFadden both scored before linebacker Kirk Morrison leveled Michael Bush to stop him short of the end zone. Fargas then scored again, getting a great block from fullback Oren O’Neal who sealed off two defenders to pave the opening for Fargas. Marques Tuiasosopo later hit Marcel Reece on a play-fake for a touchdown and later hit Darrell Strong for another score.

It got so lopsided in the offense’s favor that head coach Lane Kiffin at one point went to the defense and shouted, “It’s a run!” to let them know what to expect.

Oakland will hold a single workout on Friday then a two-a-day practice on Saturday before taking Sunday off. On Monday the 49ers come to Napa for a joint practice.