PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : McCallum Expected to Be Ready Sunday

Fewer than three weeks after undergoing an emergency appendectomy, running back Napoleon McCallum is ready to play.

McCallum has received clearance to practice with the team and expects to be available Sunday when the Raiders play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Coliseum.

With their situation at running back again unsettled, the Raiders need him.

The latest member of the backfield with a question mark over his head is fullback Steve Smith, who continues to be hampered by an ankle injury. Smith did not practice Wednesday.

With tailback Greg Robinson recuperating from arthroscopic knee surgery, the Raiders will go with a backfield of Nick Bell and rookie free agent Randy Jordan if Smith can’t play. Rocket Ismail might also get some carries.

But McCallum, who was pulled off special teams to become the goal-line and short-yardage back midway through the season, also figures to be in the mix.