OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Wide receiver Javon Walker missed the season opener for the Oakland Raiders with a hamstring injury Monday night, denying him a chance to play against his former Denver Broncos teammates.
Walker had been pointing to this game since the schedule came out in April, hoping to get revenge against the team that released him in February.
But Walker hurt his hamstring in practice Aug. 31 and was limited all week in practice before being placed on the inactive list Monday night. Johnnie Lee Higgins started in his place.
Walker has struggled since joining the Raiders with a six-year, $55 million contract that included $16 million in guaranteed money. He was criticized by coach Lane Kiffin for being out of shape during offseason workouts, was seriously injured in June during a robbery in Las Vegas, and contemplated retirement early in training camp.
Defensive end Kalimba Edwards (groin) and safety Rashad Baker (ankle) were on the inactive list for the Raiders, along with receiver Todd Watkins and offensive linemen Mario Henderson and John Wade. The Raiders also released tackle Seth Want before the game.
Among the inactives for the Broncos were linebacker Louis Green, who has a hamstring injury, and former Raiders defensive lineman Josh Shaw.
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