ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Oakland Raiders have reinstated linebacker Rolando McClain from the suspended list and promoted cornerback Chimdi Chekwa from the practice squad.
The Raiders released starting cornerback Ron Bartell and backup fullback Owen Schmitt on Monday to make room on the 53-man roster.
McClain had been suspended for two games on Nov. 30 for conduct detrimental to the team after a practice run-in with coach Dennis Allen. McClain is not required to return to the team until he meets with Allen, who was in Texas on Monday for his father's funeral. The team says Allen will discuss McClain's role with him after he returns.
Bartell started six games but the team wants to get a better look at backup Phillip Adams down the stretch.
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