PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : McCallum May Get Some Carries

After missing the last two games because of an ankle injury, running back Nick Bell is expected to return to the lineup Sunday at Chicago. Bell, who practiced this week, has gained 62 yards in 20 carries in the two games he has been active for this season.

“A decision will not be made on him until Sunday,” Coach Art Shell said Thursday. “We are just going to keep our fingers crossed and hope that he doesn’t have any setbacks.”

In case Bell is not able to play, the Raiders have started to give backup Napoleon McCallum more practice time. McCallum, a fifth-year veteran from Navy, has returned kicks but has not run from scrimmage this season.

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Four of the next five road games for the Raiders will be played in cold-weather cities. Starting Sunday, the Raiders will play at Chicago, Cincinnati, Buffalo and Green Bay, their lone warm-weather away game being at San Diego on Nov. 21.

“We have no control over what the weather will be, so I don’t try to worry about it,” Shell said. “I’m sure it will be cold, but both teams have to play in it.”

The Chicago weather forecast for Sunday calls for temperatures in the 30s.

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Somewhat lost in the Raiders’ 30-23 loss to the Chargers last Sunday was the performance of Tim Brown, who only a month ago was rumored to be on the trading block. With five catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns, Brown moved into second place in the AFC in receiving yards with 476. He also became the Raiders’ all-time punt return leader with 172 after running back four punts against San Diego. He is averaging 11 yards in 20 returns and needs only 28 yards to surpass Neal Colzie, the team leader in punt return yardage with 1,747.