PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Dixon Released for Second Time

It’s that time of the preseason when the entrance to Raider training camp could use a revolving door. And some names should probably be written on the roster in pencil--one equipped with a large eraser.

Wednesday, the Raiders released veteran defensive back Rickey Dixon for the second time this summer. Also released for the second time was rookie running back James Hill.

Added to the roster in their places were defensive lineman Tim Rother and defensive back Lester Ridley, the latter back for his second tour of duty this summer.

Dixon, a six-year veteran, had been a Cincinnati Bengal until the Raiders acquired him in a trade before last season. Dixon was cut last month, then re-signed at a lower salary.

Hill, signed as a free agent, had been cut in mid-July and re-signed a week later.

Rother, 6 feet 7 and 280 pounds, has played on both the offensive and defensive lines. Ridley, signed as a free agent, had been cut in mid-July.

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Wide receiver Alexander Wright, who has sat out both exhibition games because of an injured calf muscle, practiced Wednesday, but Coach Art Shell isn’t ready to let him play in Saturday’s exhibition game against the Steelers at Pittsburgh.

“He’s like a wild stallion,” Shell said. “He’s very close (to returning). But I’m a little nervous about the artificial turf (at Three Rivers Stadium). If he does play, it will not be much.”

Shell said he plans to return offensive tackle Bruce Wilkerson, who has had a sprained foot, to the lineup.