PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Fox Familiar With Chargers’ Offense

The rivalry between the Raiders and the San Diego Chargers goes far beyond the playing field, considering that there are 13 members of the Raider organization who previously worked with the Chargers, including owner Al Davis and six assistant coaches.

The most important former Charger heading into Sunday’s game at the Coliseum, however, may be Raider first-year defensive coordinator John Fox, who spent the last two seasons coaching the Chargers’ secondary.

“This is a really big game for us regardless of who we’re playing because of our 0-2 start,” Fox said. “I don’t know if it just because we’re playing the Chargers, but I’m excited to get out there.”

Having Fox calling defensive signals may be a plus for the Raiders Sunday; he spent the last two years practicing against San Diego’s offense. “Knowing the strengths and the weaknesses of some of their players does give us a little bit of an advantage,” Fox said. “But I don’t think that it will make a big difference in the game.”

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Defensive lineman Scott Davis practiced for the second consecutive day, but will not start against San Diego. The Raiders will start Anthony Smith, Nolan Harrison, Jerry Ball and Chester McGlockton on their defensive front. . . . With a pass interception returned for a touchdown, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble against Denver, cornerback Terry McDaniel was named AFC defensive player of the week. . . . Cornerback Albert Lewis returned to practice after sitting out Wednesday with a shoulder and neck injury. Two key San Diego injuries may be a factor. Coach Bobby Ross said center Courtney Hall would be used only in an emergency because of a biceps injury, and defensive tackle Rueben Davis is questionable because of an elbow injury.