Raiders bench JaMarcus Russell

From the San Jose Mercury News:

ALAMEDA, Calif.—The Oakland Raiders are benching former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell, handing the starting job to Bruce Gradkowski.

Coach Tom Cable said after practice Wednesday that Gradkowski will get the nod Sunday against Cincinnati. Cable says the plan is for Gradkowski to start the rest of the season. Cable has pulled Russell for ineffectiveness in two of the past three games.

This will be just the second start for Gradkowski since 2006. He started one game last year in Cleveland and 11 games as a rookie for Tampa Bay in 2006. Gradkowski is 17 for 30 for 163 yards and two interceptions.

Russell has completed just 46.8 percent of his passes this season. He has also thrown nine interceptions and lost five fumbles.

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