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Wednesday, September 13, 2000
DENVER -- Joe Nedney didn't have to wait long for a Raiders reunion. Elam’s replacement
signs with BroncosKicker Joe Nedney will make his
debut against former teamAssociated Press
Cut by the team two weeks ago, the veteran kicker will return to Oakland this weekend wearing a rival's colors after agreeing to a contract with the Denver Broncos yesterday.
Nedney had moderate success in three games with Oakland last year, but lost his job to first-round draft pick Sebastian Janikowski.
"He handled it with great professionalism," Nedney's agent, Bob LaMonte, said. "I know (coach) Jon Gruden liked him as a kicker, but when you take a kicker in the No. 1 hole, your guy becomes expendable. That's business. He wished the Raiders well, and they wished us well."
The Broncos (1-1) went shopping for a dependable leg after Jason Elam fractured two bones in his lower back Sunday. Elam is expected to be sidelined 3-8 weeks.
In addition to Nedney, Denver signed running back Raymont Harris to provide insurance in the backfield.
Harris was released a week before the season started when the New England Patriots decided to go with second-year pro Kevin Faulk and rookie J.R. Redmond.
With eight career 100-yard games, including one against Denver in 1996, Harris adds experience to a depleted backfield. Olandis Gary is out for the season with a knee injury, and Terrell Davis is recovering from a sprained ankle.
Rookie Mike Anderson ran for 131 yards Sunday, but was expected to return to a backup role with Davis set to play against Oakland.
Elam, who has scored more points than any NFL kicker the last seven seasons, was injured when he was hit while trying to make a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons. He spent one night in the hospital and was recuperating at home.
