PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Bates Coming Along Nicely

Even as the final seconds ticked Sunday night, the Seattle Seahawks were still threatening the Raiders.

At the end, it came down to rookie against rookie, Seattle quarterback Rick Mirer against Raider defensive back Patrick Bates.

A week ago, Bates made the first big play of the game, recovering the opening kickoff when the Minnesota Vikings failed to get their hands on it.

Sunday night, Bates made the last big play of the game, catching a tipped pass by Mirer for the interception that finally ended the drama.

“It was a big play for me,” Bates said.

The Raiders’ top draft pick has been unable to shake Derrick Hoskins for the starting job at strong safety but has still been getting considerable playing time.

“The way they’ve worked me in, I’ve been able to kind of relax,” Bates said. “Some teams just throw rookies to the wolves. I’m making contributions while I’m still learning the ropes.”

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Two games into the season, the Raiders’ injury list has grown considerably:

--Running back Nick Bell, sidelined two weeks because of a hamstring injury, will start practicing this week.

--Offensive lineman Bruce Wilkerson, who sat out Sunday’s game because of a knee injury, will also practice.

--Linebacker Joe Kelly, who suffered a bruise above the left ankle Sunday, is expected to play this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

--Defensive lineman Chester McGlockton, who left Sunday’s game because of continuing pain from turf toe, is day to day.

--Special-teams player Elvis Patterson, who strained a thigh muscle Sunday, had further tests Monday.

--Defensive back Torin Dorn, who missed Sunday’s game because of a neck injury, is expected back this week.