Raiders’ Allen Returns to Practice

Marcus Allen returned to practice Wednesday, which means that the Raiders will activate him this week against the Denver Broncos or next week against the St. Louis Cardinals.

At what position?

“Marcus is a halfback,” Coach Art Shell said, smiling.

Allen has said he doesn’t want to play fullback alongside Bo Jackson any longer. The question is, how much will Allen play after partially tearing a ligament in his right knee and sitting out the last seven games?

And at 29, his $1.1-million contract expiring, will Al Davis sign him again?

Significantly, Jackson, who has been increasingly banged up the last two weeks, went on the injury list. He is listed as probable with a bruised knee. Jackson has been held to 54 and 64 yards the last two games.

Also returning to practice was receiver Sam Graddy. To make room, the Raiders waived running back Derrick Gainer and safety Derrick Crudup off their developmental squad.