Raiders Turn to Hobert at Quarterback

The Oakland Raiders plan to go with Billy Joe Hobert, but are cautiously optimistic that regular starter Jeff Hostetler might be healthy enough to be the backup Sunday against Pittsburgh.

Hostetler, who has missed two straight starts and most of a third game with a strained muscle in his left shoulder, was able to throw the ball and worked with the scout team in practice Thursday. It is the first time he has done any significant throwing since he was knocked out of the Dallas game Nov. 19.

Coach Mike White suggested that Hostetler would again be seeing his doctor before a decision might be made about him being active against the Steelers.

The past two weeks, when 40-year-old Vince Evans was the starter, Hobert was the backup and Hostetler did not even dress as the inactive third quarterback.