The JaMarcus Russell era has ended.
For now.
Raiders coach Tom Cable, who yanked Russell for Bruce Gradkowski during Sunday’s 16-10 loss to the Chiefs, said Wednesday that Gradkowski is the new starter.
Per RaiderBeat.com, Cable called the move an “easy decision.”
Through nine starts in 2009, Russell has a passer rating of 47.7, with two touchdown passes and nine interceptions. For his career, the first overall pick in the 2007 draft has a passer rating of 65.5.
Gradkowski’s first Raiders start will come against the 7-2 Bengals. The former Toledo Rocket started 11 games as a Buccaneers rookie in 2006 and one with the Browns in 2008.