The team lost, 35-7, to the Chargers in an exhibition game in San Diego. The Chargers dominated the first half on both sides of the ball, getting out to a 26-0 lead and holding the Raiders offensive to zero net yards. The big plays came from Paul Lowe, who scored on a 73-yard punt return, and rookie halfback Keith Lincoln, who scored on a 63-yard screen pass from Jack Kemp. The only Raiders score came in the third quarter, a 15-yard Tom Flores to Doug Asad pass, after assistant coach Tommy Kalmanir had taken over playcalling from the press box.
The game was extremely physical with several Raiders needing medical assistance. Center Jim Otto and defensive back John Harris each suffered pinched nerves in the neck. Linebacker Al Bansavage suffered a hand injury that was suspected to be a fracture. Backup center Harrison Rece injured his knee.
And in the most egregious event, Chargers defensive lineman Ernie Ladd removed guard John Dittrich’s helmet and smacked him with it, cutting open Dittrich’s forehead. It took six stitches to close the wound, but Ladd remained in the game and was only assessed a defensive holding penalty.
The team signed their 19th-round draft pick, halfback Charley Fuller, after his release from the 49ers a week ago.
The team waived defensive end Jim Toon and fullback Oneal Cuttery.