Russell Released by the Raiders

Defensive tackle Darrell Russell was released by the Oakland Raiders on Monday, shortly after the NFL reinstated him for completing a 1 1/2-season suspension for violating its substance-abuse policy.

He now can be claimed off waivers.

“We felt this was the best thing to do,” Raider senior assistant Bruce Allen said. “He had some very good years here and showed all the promise we had hoped for. But because of his well-documented problems, we decided it was better he try to rejuvenate his career elsewhere.”

NFL spokesman Steve Alic confirmed that Russell, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, was reinstated.

Coach Bill Callahan has said he had no interest in having Russell back on the team.

Russell’s annual salary is $9 million; the Raiders are still responsible for a $1.66-million signing bonus -- already accounted for against the salary cap, Allen said.

The Washington Post reported that the Washington Redskins had done a background check on Russell and were satisfied they could sign him. The Redskins are in need of defensive tackles.

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Jacksonville linebacker T.J. Slaughter was arrested and spent several hours in jail Monday after two men in a passing car told police the player pointed a gun at them.

Slaughter, who was freed on a $5,003 cash bond, declined to comment when approached at the team’s headquarters. His agent released a statement saying the fourth-year veteran denied the allegations.

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Houston quarterback David Carr probably will sit out against Carolina on Sunday because of a badly sprained right ankle suffered in the Texans’ 30-21 loss to Indianapolis.

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Pro Bowl guard Jermane Mayberry was put on injured reserve by Philadelphia. Mayberry, who tore a tendon in his left elbow Oct. 19, will have reconstructive surgery Wednesday.

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Kicker Owen Pochman, the goat of San Francisco’s 16-13 overtime loss to Arizona, will be released as soon as a replacement is found, Coach Dennis Erickson said.

The 49ers are expected to sign nine-year veteran Todd Peterson, who played for Erickson at Seattle.

Pochman missed seven field goals in his last four games, including a 35-yard try that would have put San Francisco ahead of the Cardinals with 2 minutes 25 seconds left in regulation.

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San Francisco safety Ronnie Heard will sit out four to five weeks because of a sprained left knee suffered against Arizona.

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Green Bay’s Brett Favre was held out of practice to give his broken right thumb more time to heal.

But Coach Mike Sherman said he probably would list the quarterback as probable on the injury report Wednesday.