Raiders excited to have NaVorro Bowman aboard

ALAMEDA - The Raiders hope to receive a jolt of adrenaline during a short week, courtesy of new arrival NaVorro Bowman.

Bowman got to work quickly after signing a one-year contract worth a reported $3 million this week, meeting with linebackers coach Sal Sunseri and participating in his first practice on Monday.

Coach Jack Del Rio didn’t rule out Bowman playing against the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday night, and running back Jalen Richard is hoping he does.

“Maybe it will give us a little jolt, a little respect,” Richard said. “They’re going to respect him being out there. Just his presence on the field should do something to KC’s offense.”

Bowman was released Friday by the 49ers at his request after being approached about a reduced role with the defense.

Whether it’s Thursday night or Week 8 against Buffalo, Bowman figures to take over at middle linebacker for the Raiders, where rookie Marquel Lee opened the season as the starter and where undrafted rookie Nicholas Morrow played 62 of 65 snaps with Lee out because of an ankle injury.

Morrow, at 220 pounds, was a hybrid safety/linebacker in college who thought he’d be a safety in the NFL.

“He really did a good job being asked to do something that was probably much bigger than he anticipated when he joined us in training camp,” Del Rio said.

Morrow is looking forward to getting an education from a four-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl performer.

“I mean, you see the film. He’s a monster,” Morrow said. “He’s been doing at a high level for a long time. It’s always good to learn from someone like that. A true vet, an All-Pro. It will be exciting to learn from him.”

The Raiders were depleted at linebacker against the Chargers, with weakside starter Cory James able to play just seven snaps because of a knee injury, and another undrafted rookie - Xavier Woodson-Luster - also getting extensive playing time.

James said Morrow and Woodson-Luster performed well, but is excited to have Bowman in the meeting room.

“I feel like this is going to help all of us,” James said. “I was asking what time he was going to get in (Tuesday) so we can watch film. I feel like it’s going to help me out to learn from a future Hall of Famer.”

When asked what was most impressive about Bowman, James said, “How he can get to the ball and make plays and do all the stuff, like a Ray Lewis-type person can do.”

Quarterback Derek Carr said that when the two were at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, he joked with Bowman that the two could play together some day with the Raiders, and that Bowman reminded him of that conversation when he arrived.

“He’s one of the best middle linebackers in football,” Carr said. “I know that from watching him on film. Nothing you hear about the guy is negative. Nothing you hear about the guy is bad.

“He’s a hard worker. He’s super smart - just like all those Penn State linebackers are. He plays aggressive and he’s going to bring a lot of leadership to our team.”

Cornerback David Amerson said Bowman carries the kind of instant credibility that is rare throughout the league.

“He’s a good vet to have, man,” Amerson said. “Been a great player, at a high level for a long time. He’s seen a lot of ball, been around a lot of stuff. He brings a lot of experience, not only to the linebacker position, but the secondary and the defense as a whole.”