Raiders agree to tentative plan to extend lease

The Oakland Raiders have reached a tentative agreement with Alameda County officials to extend their lease at the Coliseum through the 2013 season.

The Raiders’ lease was set to expire after next season before the agreement announced Wednesday. The deal still must be formally approved by the Coliseum Authority, Alameda County, the city of Oakland and the NFL. That is expected to come by the end of the year.

Oakland City Councilman Ignacio De La Fuente says the extension gives the sides time to work out a long-term plan to keep the Raiders in the area.

The Raiders moved back to Oakland from Los Angeles following the 1994 season. With the lease running out, there had been speculation about where the team would play in the future.

Raiders switch quarterbacks

The Raiders benched former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell, handing the starting job to journeyman Bruce Gradkowski for the foreseeable future.

Coach Tom Cable made the announcement of the change after practice as the Raiders (2-7) prepare to play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Cable said this was not a temporary move, that his plan is to stick with Gradkowski.

Cable said he still believes in Russell’s future, and “this is in no way giving up on the guy.”

Quinn is fined

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn has been fined by the NFL for his low hit on Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs.

After throwing an interception in Monday night’s 16-0 loss to the Ravens, Quinn dived at Suggs’ knees while trying to bring down cornerback Chris Carr, who had picked him off. Suggs had to leave the game and could miss significant playing time.

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis accused Quinn of a cheap shot.

McAlister signs

Cornerback Chris McAlister was snapped up by the New Orleans Saints -- one of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL.

The 10-year NFL veteran, who played for Pasadena High and the University of Arizona, was cut by Baltimore in February.

Injuries

Ronnie Brown, the Miami Dolphins’ leading rusher, will sit out the rest of the season after hurting his right foot in Sunday’s victory over Tampa Bay. It is his second season-ending injury in three years. . . . Buffalo Bills starting left tackle Demetrius Bell is out indefinitely because of a right knee injury. . . . Denver Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, who has torn ligaments in his left ankle, sat out practice.

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

NFL tonight

MIAMI (4-5) AT CAROLINA (4-5)

TV: NFL Network.

Line: Panthers by 3.

Over/under: 42 1/2 .

Story line: Somebody flipped a switch in Jake Delhomme. After a horrendous start -- 13 interceptions in six games -- he has gone three games without a turnover. The Panthers can match Miami’s ground game (especially with Ronnie Brown hurt), and they have a better defense.

Sam Farmer’s pick:

Panthers 27, Dolphins 17.