PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Bender Called Up; Bunch Is Waived

Wes Bender always wanted to be a fullback. Wanted it so bad, in fact, that he transferred from Burbank High to Burroughs rather than switch from fullback to guard.

Bender, 24, is still a fullback. And Wednesday, after subsequent stops at Glendale College, USC and the Kansas City Chiefs, Bender officially joined his hometown team, the Raiders.

The Van Nuys native was promoted from the practice squad after fullback Jarrod Bunch was waived.

The Raiders are expected to sign the 5-foot-10, 235-pound Bender, a blocking specialist, to a two-year deal.

“The hard work finally paid off,” said Bender, who started 10 games for the Trojans in his senior season.

Bender joined the Raiders as a free agent last spring.

“He’s a tremendous blocker,” Coach Art Shell said.

Bender will back up fullback Tom Rathman and also play on special teams.

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Safety Eddie Anderson is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Houston Oilers at the Coliseum because of a groin injury.