George Has Off Day as Raiders Stumble

The Oakland Raiders were counting on the return of Jeff George to revive their stagnant offense and boost their chances of making the playoffs for the first time since 1993.

But George’s return was not the answer as the Raiders were beaten, 29-19, by the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

The Raiders, losers in three of their last four games, are 7-5.

Trent Green threw three touchdown passes and the Redskins (3-9) forced two fumbles and made two interceptions in their first road win of the season.

The Redskins had the worst turnover differential in the NFL coming into the game.

George, who had not played past the first quarter of a game since September because of a groin injury, made the start but was pulled at halftime after going seven for 15 for 65 yards with an interception.

He stood on the sideline wearing a parka and holding his helmet as Donald Hollas went 16 for 29 for 134 yards with an interception and two touchdown passes in the second half.

George said he may get another MRI on the groin today.

“I’m frustrated. I’m aware everyone else is frustrated,” he said. “I wish I could go back and heal myself. But it’s something I have to deal with.”

Oakland Coach Jon Gruden said George got retaped at halftime but felt he could not move well enough to play in the second half.

“We understand that we may be faced with a big decision between Jeff and Don and who can play,” Gruden said. “That will be decided this week. We may just go with Don.”

Green was 16 for 31 for 224 yards against a Raider defense that came into the game second overall in the NFL.

Washington is 3-2 since its open date.

“We’ve played well since the bye,” Redskin Coach Norv Turner said. “There are about 12 guys that were backups when this season started. This is a tribute to them. We’ve had some rough spots. We’ve played all those guys.”

Hollas, who had a touchdown pass of 12 yards to Terry Mickens, had one of three yards to Tim Brown with 1:35 left. But Washington recovered an onside side and ran out of the clock.