Raiders sign LB Bruce Davis

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) - The Oakland Raiders have signed linebacker Bruce Davis off the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.

Oakland released defensive tackle Jay Alford on Tuesday to make room for Davis.

Davis gives the Raiders depth at outside linebacker after starter Quentin Groves hurt his hamstring and backup Thomas Howard injured his knee last week against Houston. Ricky Brown missed last week's game with a hamstring injury and rookie Travis Goethel has been out all season with a bad back.

Davis was a third-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2008. He played five games as a rookie. He spent part of last season on New England's practice squad and was signed by San Francisco last month.

The Raiders also waived cornerback Joey Thomas from injured reserve.