PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Davis Misses Practice, Unlikely to Play

Defensive end Scott Davis missed practice for the third consecutive day Friday because of what were termed “personal problems” by Coach Art Shell.

Although he was not listed among those deactivated for Sunday’s home opener against the Seattle Seahawks at the Coliseum, Davis is not expected to play. That will put further pressure on a defensive line already thin because of Howie Long’s retirement and the release of Greg Townsend. Without Davis, the Raiders would move Nolan Harrison from tackle to end and insert Jerry Ball into the lineup at tackle.

After starting every game of the 1990 and ’91 seasons for the Raiders, Davis sat out the following two years, opting to go into business. But, at age 29, he returned as unexpectedly as he had left, saying he still felt he could contribute.

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The Raiders are looking for another running back to replace Napoleon McCallum, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Monday night’s opener. Rather than bring back Randy Jordan or Derrick Gainer, two backs cut before the start of the season, the Raiders are first looking at other possible replacements.

Until they find a suitable substitute, they will not place McCallum on the injured reserve list.

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Deactivated for Sunday’s opener are McCallum, defensive lineman Willie Broughton, linebacker James Folston and offensive lineman Rich Stephens. The Raiders must deactivate three more players before kickoff.