Raiders receiver Chaz Schilens breaks a bone in left foot

Schilens breaks bone in left foot

NAPA, Calif. — Chaz Schilens, projected to be one of the Oakland Raiders’ top two receivers this season, broke a bone in his left foot while running a route during Tuesday’s joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers.

Raiders coach Tom Cable didn’t provide a timeline for when Schilens might return, but such an injury would likely sideline Schilens at least a month. He has been a major bright spot in the receiving corps this training camp.

Schilens said he didn’t know whether he would need a cast or walking boot. He also didn’t rule out playing in the team’s season opener Sept. 14 against San Diego.

“If God works a miracle, we’ll see,” he said.

Schilens said he was uncovered when he made a cut and felt a sharp pain. X-rays revealed he’d broke the fifth metatarsal in his foot. He left after practice on crutches.

“I couldn’t run anymore so I knew something was wrong,” Schilens said.

The 23-year-old Schilens made six starts for the Raiders during his rookie season in 2008, making 15 catches for 226 yards and two touchdowns. He was a seventh-round draft pick last year out of San Diego State.

“It’s pretty frustrating, but you know we have good receivers, good young receivers,” Schilens said. “I’ll support those guys and help them any way I can and try to hurry up and get back out here as fast as I can. I can’t focus on the negative. I’ve got to just look for the healing process right now and move forward.”

With Schilens out, the Raiders’ receiving corps is in limbo and the depth gone.

Javon Walker hasn’t practiced at all this camp while recovering from offseason knee surgery. Cable said he expects Walker to join Oakland’s workouts Monday but declined to say when or if Walker would be able to play this preseason.

Fourth-round draft pick Louis Murphy has been sidelined in recent days with a hip injury, putting his status for Saturday night’s game with the 49ers in doubt.

In addition, first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey continues to have problems catching the ball. He had three drops during the joint workout Tuesday.