PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : There’s No Interest in Russell Now

The Raiders are in training camp in Oxnard. The New England Patriots are in training camp in Rhode Island.

And Leonard Russell is sitting home in Long Beach.

Not exactly the summer he envisioned. Not exactly what most people would envision for one of last season’s 1,000-yard rushers.

Russell, a Patriot running back who has become expendable with the arrival of Marion Butts from the San Diego Chargers, had heard the rumors that he was headed to the Raiders.

And, indeed, the Raiders explored the possibility.

New England was asking for a second-round draft choice for Russell and might even be willing to settle for a third-rounder at this point.

But now the Raiders aren’t interested. They’re happy with their three tailback candidates--Harvey Williams, Calvin Jones and Ty Montgomery.

They won’t rule out a bid for Russell at some point in the future if he’s still available and their running game stumbles as it did last season.

But with that prospect appearing unlikely and nobody else banging on the Patriots’ door for Russell, his only option is to accept New England’s tender offer of $495,000.

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The Raiders made some roster moves Thursday, exchanging a Thomas for a Thomas and a linebacker for a center. They cut wide receiver Tyrone Thomas and linebacker Keith Franklin and signed receiver Doug Thomas and center Matt Elliot. . . . Offensive tackle Greg Skrepenak, who injured an ankle Wednesday, is expected to be sidelined only a few days. . . . The Raiders will hold their annual family day Saturday at Channel Islands High in Oxnard, take Sunday off, then leave Monday for Barcelona, Spain, where they will open their exhibition season July 31 against the Denver Broncos.