Raiders add wide receiver/return man Roscoe Parrish

Originally published on SBReport.net on Aug. 28, 2012

The Oakland Raiders announced the signing of veteran wide receiver and return specialist Roscoe Parrish on Tuesday. 

Reports surfaced Monday night of the signing on the same day that Parrish was released by the San Diego Chargers.

The seven-year veteran has played for only the Buffalo Bills who drafted him in the second round in 2005 out of the University of Miami. Parrish has appeared in 77 games, accumulating 134 receptions for 1,502 yards and seven touchdowns. Parrish has also returned 135 punts for 1,622 yards, a 12.0 yards-per-return average, along with 29 kickoff returns for 685 yards, a 23.2 yards-per-return average.

The Raiders needed a return man due to the foot injury suffered by wide receiver and kick return man Jacoby Ford in the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. Ford was also lined up to get some touches in punt returns, something he has never done for the Raiders. Wide receiver Denarius Moore was the team's punt returner last season but has also been injured this preseason with an injured hamstring. 

Wide receiver DeAundre Muhammad was handling punt return duties for the team but was cut on Monday as a result of the team needing to get down to 75 members on the roster. Running back Taiwan Jones and cornerback Bryan McCann have handled kickoff return duties since Ford's injury but have struggled finding running room on returns. 

The Raiders waived/injured offensive lineman Zach Hurd to make room for Parrish on the active roster.