Injury-plagued Oakland signs QB Rob Johnson

Updated: November 4, 2003, 9:36 PM ET

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders signed quarterback Rob Johnson on Tuesday to provide depth while their top two quarterbacks are sidelined with injuries.

Johnson, a backup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' championship team last season, played two games with the Washington Redskins this season before being cut. The nine-year pro, originally drafted by Jacksonville, spent four seasons as a part-time starter in Buffalo from 1998-2001.

To make room for Johnson on the roster, Oakland cut disappointing kick returner Ronney Jenkins.

Third-string quarterback Rick Mirer is expected to start for the reeling Raiders (2-6) on Sunday against the New York Jets. League MVP Rich Gannon will miss at least two more weeks with a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, and backup Marques Tuiasosopo injured his knee during his first NFL start last Sunday against Detroit.

The Raiders also have quarterback Tee Martin on the practice squad, and receiver Ronald Curry was a quarterback at North Carolina.

Jenkins, signed away from San Diego in the offseason, averaged just 22.1 yards per kickoff return this season, though coach Bill Callahan said the Raiders' poor blocking was primarily to blame.

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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