PRO FOOTBALL : Raiders Set to Welcome Davis Back

Defensive end Scott Davis knew last week that he was going to come back to the Raiders. But were the Raiders ready to welcome him back?

There was never any question Davis, who is expected back at the team’s El Segundo training headquarters today, according to team officials, is desperately needed. But what about the players, whom he deserted on Sept. 6 when he walked out of camp because of what were described only as “personal problems,” and skipped the next two games?

Davis made several calls to players last week to talk about those problems, and to assure his teammates that he was returning with renewed dedication.

Davis, 29, coming back from a two-year retirement, played only in the season opener before leaving after a fight with linebacker Greg Biekert.

Fellow defensive lineman Anthony Smith has no hard feelings despite the fact that his job was made considerably more difficult by Davis’ absence.

“I love him,” Smith said. “He had to take care of some things at the house. I understand. When I came up as a rookie, he was nicer to me than anybody else on the team. I welcome him. And his talent.”