Callahan Optimistic Despite Raider Injuries

ALAMEDA -- The Oakland Raiders put forth a brave and optimistic face today despite devastating injuries that will force the team to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday -- and quite possibly play the rest of the season -- without two key players, veteran running back Terry Kirby and rookie cornerback Phillip Buchanon, coach Bill Callahan said today.

Both players were injured during Sunday's nail-biting overtime loss, 27-21, against the San Diego Chargers.

During his weekly press conference at Raider headquarters Callahan reported that Kirby, 32, a ten-year NFL veteran who signed with the Raiders in 2000, will remain at Summit Hospital in Oakland for a second straight day after a violent spill during yesterday's game left the running back with a shattered right tibia and fibula.

"He is finished for the season," Coach Callahan said, adding that Kirby was placed on injury reserve this morning.

Meanwhile, 22-year old Buchanon, one of this year's first round draft picks, underwent surgery last night to mend a broken left wrist. Buchanon reportedly had pins inserted in his wrist as part of his treatment.

According to Callahan, Buchanon will be sidelined for at least the next two months.

"He'll have to go through an eight-week rehabilitation process," he said.

For the time being, the rookie will not be put on the injury list. "We're not sure yet whether to keep him active or put him on IR," Callahan said.

Callahan admitted that yesterday's injuries, along with the Raiders' suffering defense could pose a problem for the team in next weekend's upcoming game against offensive giant Priest Holmes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium, one of the loudest arenas in the NFL.

"Our defense will be challenged for the third week in a row," said Callahan. "There's some adversity that we've got to confront and obviously take off this week, but we're excited about the upcoming game against KC."

"Kansas City puts a lot of points up," added veteran safety Rod Woodson, standing in the lockerroom after practice. "The team that overcomes adversity is the one that wins the most games."

Starting tight end Roland Williams said he still has hope for the season in spite of the team's two-in-a-row losses and the injuries of his teammates.

"It's how you end the season, not how you start it," said Williams. "The Patriots started out 1-4 last year and they won the Super Bowl," he pointed out.

Callahan said winning Sunday's game against Kansas City will be as simple as forgetting about yesterday's game and going back to the basics.

"We've got to put together a great plan and have great execution as we get on the road," he said.