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#7 Jeff Garcia takers a sanp during the team's first practice of training camp at their facility in Napa, Calif, on the Thursday July 30, 2009. (Anda Chu/Staff)
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JEFF GARCIA'S RELEASE Saturday clearly defines the Raiders' goal this season: Developing JaMarcus Russell into a NFL-caliber quarterback.

Garcia could have been an invaluable tool if the Raiders needed a proven backup to replace an injured Russell in the midst of a playoff run.

The Raiders aren't playoff contenders this season, so farewell Jeffy, who shouldn't quite unpack his bags as the 49ers could use his services.

If Russell gets hurt, the season's goal becomes moot. This shouldn't shock you.

When Garcia missed the Raiders' exhibition opener because of a calf injury, that shined light on the possibility he wasn't needed anymore, at least in terms of pushing Russell.

"First and foremost, we are committed to JaMarcus as our starter," Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "When you look at the preseason and practices and camp and the games, Bruce and Charlie were the most productive (backups) in terms of scoring points and moving the football team.

"Whether or not he's comfortable in his role as a backup, it is what it is. JaMarcus is our guy. Those two guys did a good job performing on game night."

Garcia had a team-worst 67.1 passer rating (Russell had the best, 96.4; Bruce Gradkowski 96.2; Charlie Frye 73.9). Garcia completed 15 of 27 passes (55.6 percent) for 141 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He was the lone Raiders quarterback not to get sacked, and that field awareness is something Russell must learn.

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Garcia's professional work ethic hopefully rubbed off on Russell throughout the offseason. Getting Russell prepared for his second full season as the starting quarterback was Garcia's No. 1 task, whether he wanted to believe it or not. Knowing the gritty competitor he is, Garcia surely hoped to swoop in and seize a starting role if Russell either got hurt or struggled the first month of the season.

The 49ers should seriously consider dumping Alex Smith and picking up Garcia to backup and push Shaun Hill. Garcia has enough left in that undersized, overachieving frame, and he has a desire to finish his career here in the Bay Area.

Even if Garcia appeared some game this season as the Raiders starter, that would not have been good, because it meant something happened to Russell to derail his ever-important development. You actually think the Raiders' would have benched Russell in favor of Garcia and playoff hopes? The Raiders are a long shot to sniff playoff contention, and they know it; otherwise, you keep Garcia in the bullpen.

As for Russell, he doesn't have to look over his shoulder anymore at a proven veteran capable of outperforming him. Frye and Gradkowski are his backups, and because both have starting experience (albeit limited), that'll be enough to lead what would become an even more run-oriented offense if Russell exits.

Cable praised the relationship between Russell, Gradkowski and Frye, making one wonder whether Garcia and Russell were at odds. They may not have said much on the field at the start of offseason workouts but Garcia seemed willing to counsel him during exhibition games.

As for Russell becoming the unchallenged top dog, Cable tried to downplay that: "For JaMarcus to think he's been anointed would be ridiculous."

The past two days, a 4-x-6 newspaper ad in our sports section has begged the Raiders to release Garcia, at the request of "concerned season ticket holders." It was a bizarre sight, but so are the (post-2002) Raiders.

For Garcia's sake, he is paroled from one of the NFL's most dysfunctional organizations. For season-ticket holders, you get to root for your franchise quarterback without worry that he'll be unseated by the noble Garcia. For the Raiders, they are Russell's team without any more doubt, as if there ever was any.

* * * Other Raiders moves * * *

Snapping the ball to Russell won't be Samson Satele, but rather fourth-year center Chris Morris, Cable said. Russell better become in synch fast with Morris, who better be quick to point out incoming blitzers for Russell's sake.

Adding to an already deep running back corps, Louis Rankin beat out Gary Russell, who looked solid at times. Other notable cuts were defensive tackles Terdell Sands and Ryan Boschetti, cornerback Justin Miller, linebacker Marcel Greenwood and offensive tackle Seth Wand.

* * * 49ers Moves * * *

Nothing nearly as newsworthy out of the 49ers' Saturday roster moves. Here are those who had to bring in their playbooks: Tackles Jacob Bender, Alex Boone and Joe Toledo; wide receivers Dominique Zeigler, Dobson Collins, and Maurice Price; defensive end Pannel Egboh, tight end Joe Jon Finley, cornerback Eric Green, guard Kyle Howard, cornerback Terrail Lambert, fullbacks Brit Miller (their exhibition opener star) and Bill Rentmeester, defensive tackle Khalif Mitchell, linebackers Jay Moore and Mark Washington, tight end Bear Pascoe (lone 2009 draft pick axed), linebacker Justin Roland, running back Kory Sheets (he showed nice moves, fast feet), guard/center Matt Spanos, o

Look for Cam Inman's Web-only "Candid Cam" takes whenever there's a breaking sports story, or whenever Cam's got something to say _ in short, just about every day. You can reach Cam at cinman@bayareanewsgroup.com. You can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/CamInman.