KMAX: Sports

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Travian Smith had been waiting six years to perform double duty for the Oakland Raiders.

In addition to his usual special-teams work, Smith excelled while starting in place of injured linebacker Bill Romanowski on Sunday. It could be the start of a productive new career for one of the Raiders' longest-tenured players.

``In six years, you learn a lot about what to do,'' Smith said Monday. ``The Raiders have showed patience with me and let me develop, and that's what patience brings. ... I just never had a decent enough chance to showcase my abilities.''

Smith had eight tackles in the Raiders' 34-31 overtime victory over the San Diego Chargers. After subsisting on special-teams play and backup roles for his first five seasons with the Raiders, Smith could have a regular spot while Romanowski evaluates his future following a series of concussions.

Romanowski missed the first game of his 16-season NFL career Sunday. Coach Bill Callahan isn't certain whether Romanowski will practice this week as he seeks further medical advice on his condition following previous consultations with specialists in Pittsburgh and Denver.

``He brings a lot of intensity, preparation, intelligence and experience to the defensive side of the ball,'' Callahan said. ``You take a guy out of the mix that has that type of value, it's hard.''

But Smith was praised for his quick adaptation, which was helped by a series of tips from Romanowski on the sideline. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Smith is big enough to make the most important hits in the Raiders' defensive backfield, but quick enough to cover receivers when necessary.

Smith fills a valuable role on the Raiders' defense, which finally clamped down on the Chargers in the second half of their victory. Oakland allowed 187 yards rushing by LaDainian Tomlinson, but San Diego scored just 10 points after halftime.

Smith has played several positions on the Raiders' defense in recent years, even rushing the passer as a defensive end on occasion. But he thrives on the hard hitting and quick mental calculations at linebacker, a demanding position at which he ``probably wasn't smart enough to start'' when he entered the league, he said.

``Everybody comes from high school and college with the mentality that you've got to make every play,'' Smith said. ``You learn pretty quick up here that it doesn't happen that way. It's all about strategy. If you learn your assignments and you follow them, you'll be successful. There's not a lot they can do.''

Smith started two games at linebacker last season, but he has been passed over for a regular role several times in favor of new signings most recently Romanowski. He has progressed gradually from a fifth-round draft pick in 1998 into a smart, versatile performer.

``It's been hard sitting here for six years, and everybody that's been in front of you has been released or cut,'' Smith said. ``But a patient man and a humble man will be rewarded.''

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^KENNEDY HOPEFUL:@ Lincoln Kennedy plans to get back on the field as soon as possible and that could be Sunday.

Kennedy, the Raiders' three-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle, missed the fourth game of his 11-season NFL career on Sunday with a torn muscle in his left calf. He was hurt during Oakland's Monday night loss at Denver the previous week, and the Raiders' running game has struggled in his absence.

Kennedy knew early in the week that he wouldn't be able to play against the Chargers. Second-year pro Langston Walker started in his place at right tackle.

``I've always been impressed by (Walker's) ability, but this is a personal thing for me,'' Kennedy said. ``I want to be out there every time.''

Kennedy also missed a game in 1999 with a torn muscle in his calf, but his latest injury isn't as severe. He expects to play on Sunday in Chicago, but Walker will be ready as a backup.

``I thought (Walker) did a very good job on (San Diego defensive end) Marcellus Wiley,'' Callahan said. ``That was a matchup we were all concerned about. We put protection help on that side throughout the game, and a lot of times it was unneeded. He handled him one-on-one very well a lot of times. We're very proud of the way he played.''