PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Nick Bell Expected to Get Heavier Load

After carrying seven times for 31 yards in his NFL debut, tailback Nick Bell will get more work in Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers.

“We’re going to try to get him more into our scheme of things as we go along,” Coach Art Shell said. “We’ve got to make sure he gets into great football shape. And you don’t get into great football shape unless you’re playing. You can run (wind sprints) all day for a week, but until you start getting hit it’s a different story.”

Charger tailback Rod Bernstine, promoted to first string when Marion Butts held out during training camp, has rushed for 416 yards and a touchdown this season. Bernstine, who has had two consecutive 100-yard games, is third in the AFC behind Denver’s Gaston Green, with 518 yards, and Buffalo’s Thurman Thomas, who has 505.

Bernstine had a career-high 114 yards in 27 carries in the Chargers’ 17-12 season-ending loss to the Raiders last December.

San Diego linebacker Gary Plummer, who has an injured thumb, will probably play Sunday.