RAIDERS : Hellestrae Dealt to Cowboys for a Draft Choice

The Raiders traded guard-center Dale Hellestrae to the Dallas Cowboys Monday for a conditional draft choice.

Hellestrae was traded because the Raiders’ offensive line is overstocked and the Cowboys are short-handed because of injuries.

“There are a lot of good offensive linemen on this team and they were either going to have to trade somebody or cut somebody,” Hellestrae said.

“It’s a lot better than getting cut. It sounds like there’s a good opportunity in Dallas for me to play, so I’m excited.”

A four-year NFL veteran, Hellestrae was acquired by the Raiders from the Buffalo Bills as a Plan B free agent last season. After his leg was broken during training camp, Hellestrae spent the 1989 season on injured reserve.

Hellestrae, who played at Southern Methodist, had been used as a backup center in three exhibition games this season.

After missing three weeks of training camp because of knee surgery, defensive end Lyle Alzado resumed his comeback attempt.

Alzado, 41, practiced for the first time Monday since undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove cartilage from his right knee. He is attempting to resume his NFL career after a five-year retirement.

“If five years didn’t hurt me, three weeks won’t either,” he said.

Alzado worked out at a gym while he was sidelined, reducing his weight from 270 pounds to 262.

Ralph Cindrich, who represents quarterback Steve Beuerlein, said there has been no progress in negotiations.

Without Beuerlein, the offense has scored one touchdown in three exhibition games.

“It isn’t my job to analyze things, but I know they can’t be feeling too confident the way things are now,” Beuerlein said.

If the Raiders don’t increase their offer of $500,000 would Beuerlein sit out the season?

“I’m not even thinking about that because that’s something I wouldn’t dream of doing in my wildest dreams,” Beuerlein said.