Short-Handed at Safety, the Raiders Give Ex-Seahawk Simpson a Tryout

The Raiders, suddenly short of veteran safeties, tried out former Seattle Seahawk defensive back Keith Simpson Sunday. Mike Davis, the starter at strong safety since 1980, is still bothered by a knee which has gone underwent arthroscopic surgery twice since late last season.

Davis didn’t dress for last week’s exhibition against the New England Patriots and hasn’t practiced in a week.

He was being challenged in camp by Stacey Toran, coming on strong since stepping in for Davis at strong safety last season. Toran, however, is also the No. 1 backup to Vann McElroy at free safety.

If Toran starts, James Davis becomes the No. 2 strong safety and Stefon Adams the No. 2 free safety. Davis is also the nickel back in passing situations and Adams, a wide receiver in college who was converted to cornerback by the Raiders last summer, has only been a safety for two weeks.

When Davis went out last season, the Raiders signed veteran safety Don Bessilieu of the USFL.

Simpson, 30, was Seattle’s No. 1 draft choice out of Memphis State in 1979. The Seahawks’ nickel back last season, he was cut a week ago.

Raider Notes

Napoleon McCallum practiced with the Raiders over the weekend, but returned to Long Beach Sunday night. . . . Other injuries: halfback Ronnie James hurt a knee against the Patriots and was hospitalized. Bob Buczkowski is still recuperating from back surgery.