The Oakland Raiders returned to the practice field on Thursday afternoon to continue their on-field work leading up to Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Once again, Jonathan Dowling, Brian Leonhardt and Menelik Watson did not practice, but after being a limited participant in Wednesday's session, RB Latavius Murray was full-go on Thursday.
Following Thursday's practice, Interim Head Coach Tony Sparano spoke about what his team would need to do to be successful on Sunday.
"No. 1, we have to come out there and we have to play with great passion and be ready to play a physical football game," said Coach Sparano. "We have to play with great passion this week. This team plays with good passion – that we're playing – and we have to match that passion, exceed that passion. I think being in our place with our fans getting energized that way, we need to be able to come out and do that."
In addition to Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers, both Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson and Defensive Coordinator Jason Tarver have also spent time with the 49ers franchise.
Coach Olson broke into the NFL in 2001 as the quarterbacks coach in San Francisco under Steve Mariucci and enjoyed his season with the 49ers.
"It was my first time in the Bay Area," Coach Olson said. "We had a real successful year the year that I was there, so there is nothing but good memories of the Yorks and the entire organization. It was a good year for me."
Defensive Coordinator Jason Tarver also entered the NFL ranks in 2001 and was with the 49ers through 2010, spending time as both an offensive and defensive assistant as well as the outside linebackers coach.
"Very fortunate as a football coach, as a young man from the Bay Area, growing up here, and to be a part of two great organizations and to be around great coaches and to have the opportunity to learn from them and great players in both places," Coach Tarver said. "That's an honor and a privilege. But, all that said, one of the greatest things is this environment, these two teams in this environment. That's what's special about this week."
The Raiders will hold their final practice of the week tomorrow and then take on the 49ers at O.co Coliseum.
It will be the 13th regular season meeting between the two franchises. The series is currently tied 6-6.
