According to reports coming out of the Raiders camp, Charlie Frye has been picked by head coach Tom Cable to start at quarterback over former top overall draft pick JaMarcus Russell when Oakland visits the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Cable said Wednesday that Russell will be his No. 2 quarterback, with the newly signed J.P. Losman third now that starter Bruce Gradkowski is done for the season.

Gradkowski led the Raiders to a pair of impressive fourth quarter comebacks against the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers but tore the MCL in both of his knees last week against the Washington Redskins.

"As the coach I want to do what I think is best for this team, and that's Charlie Frye," Cable said. "It gives us the best opportunity to win. You watch Charlie every day and his preparation, he just certainly deserves the opportunity."

Cables decision raises all kinds of questions about Russell's future.

The former No. 1 overall pick was benched in favor of Gradkowski after starting the Raiders first nine games. Last Sunday after replacing Gradkowski, Russell did not look good. He passed for just 74 yards and failed to move the offense consistently while being booed by the crowd at the Oakland Coliseum.

There is increasing speculation the Raiders may be looking to sever its ties with Russell. He signed a six-year contract in 2006 that included more than $30 million in guarantees.

"It's too early for all that," Cable said. "Right now we want to find a way to win these last three games. At this point, this is what we feel, that I feel, is the best thing for us."