ALAMEDA -- Just because quarterback Terrelle Pryor's five game suspension to begin his NFL career is officially over does not necessarily mean the Raiders rookie will dress for Sunday's home game against Cleveland.The Raiders have been granted a one-game roster exemption by the NFL, the league confirmed late Monday afternoon, meaning Oakland can carry 54 players on the roster this week instead of 53. It also means the Raiders can have eight inactive players on Sunday rather than seven.Because if the Raiders choose to dress him and make him active for the Browns game, they will have to cut or place a current roster player on season-ending Injured Reserve."I think we're going to be in a really good spot as far as Terrelle Pryor is concerned," Raiders coach Hue Jackson said in his weekly Monday media conference.As part of his suspension for what the league described as "decisions that undermine the integrity of the eligibility rules for the NFL draft," Pryor could not practice or travel with the team during the first five weeks of the regular season. He could only sit in on team meetings and work out individually at the team's compound.When the Raiders drafted him in the third round of the NFL's supplemental draft on Aug. 22, it was with the understanding he would be suspended the first five games of the season and he had no qualms about it at the time.But just before the season opener, on Sept. 9, Pryor announced his intent to appeal the suspension. Three weeks later, however, the NFL upheld its own decision and did not shorten the ban, which came to an end following the Raiders' emotional game at Houston on Sunday, their first game since owner Al Davis passed away on Saturday."Yeah, I'm real excited to see him," Raiders offensive coordinator Al Saunders said last week. "We had him for a few days in training camp. Of course, anytime you get a young player, he's been really upbeat. We're looking forward to seeing what he can do."Had he returned to school, Pryor would have had to sit five games at Ohio State for his role in a tattoos-and-cash-for-memorabilia scandal that ultimately cost coach Jim Tressel his job."He's taken to the offensive terminology and the system real well," Saunders added. "He's done a nice job of that. He's been working out every day. So, we're excited when he has the opportunity to join us as a player."Pryor got in three training camp practices and dressed for the Raiders' exhibition finale at Seattle but did not play.
"Suspension officially over," Pryor Tweeted. "I can't wait to join my teammates in practice. Great win Silver and black!!! 'Just win baby'-Al Davis!"
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