PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Bates Is Expected to Replace Hoskins

Starting strong safety Derrick Hoskins did not practice this week because of an ankle injury and may not play Sunday against the Rams. Hoskins, a third-year veteran from Southern Mississippi, has emerged as a solid hitter in the secondary with 52 tackles.

Coach Art Shell said that a decision on Hoskins would not be made until Sunday, but look for Patrick Bates to start. Bates played well last week against Kansas City after replacing Hoskins early in the first half.

“Bates has come along very well (since the start of the season),” Shell said. “Everybody grows as the year goes on, with more practice time and game experience. Patrick is very confident about his ability to get the job done.”

If Hoskins does not play, the Raiders would face the Rams without two secondary starters. Cornerback Albert Lewis is out with a knee injury and will be replaced by Lionel Washington.

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In order to defeat the Rams, middle linebacker Greg Biekert realizes that the Raiders must slow down running back Jerome Bettis.

“The thing about him that makes him so tough is that he runs hard for an entire game,” Biekert said. “He looks just as strong in the fourth quarter as he does in the first.”

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The second annual softball game between the Ram and Raider cheerleaders to benefit children with AIDS will be held at 2 p.m. today at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach. Admission is $5.

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After leading the league in travel through exhibitions (five road games) and the first nine weeks of the season (five road games), the Raiders will not leave the state for the next four weeks starting Sunday at Anaheim. . . . Jeff Hostetler needs 15 yards rushing to reach 1,000 in his career. . . . Tim Brown is second in the AFC with 742 receiving yards in 50 catches. . . . Center Don Mosebar has started 86 consecutive games.