Defensive back Cory Nelms. Photo by Tony Gonzales.
The Oakland Raiders Friday promoted defensive lineman Brandon Bair and defensive back Cory Nelms to the team's active roster, and placed defensive back Phillip Adams on injured reserve. Oakland also filled a roster spot that became available Thursday when the Raiders placed defensive tackle Richard Seymour on injured reserve.
The 6-6, 285-pound Bair was signed to the Raiders' practice squad on Sept. 12 after spending training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs. Originally signed by the Chiefs as a non-drafted free agent out of Oregon in 2011, he earned a spot on Kansas City's active roster and was inactive for all 16 games as a rookie.
Bair played in 52 games with 26 starts at Oregon, beginning his college career as a tight end before moving to defensive end. He started all 13 games as a senior in 2010, earning second-team All-Pac-10 honors after totaling 47 tackles (25 solo) and three sacks.
The 6-1, 191-pound Nelms was signed to Oakland's practice squad on Nov. 15 after spending training camp with the San Francisco 49ers. Originally signed by the 49ers as a non-drafted rookie free agent out of Miami, Nelms spent the entire 2011 season on San Francisco's practice squad.
A gifted track standout, Nelms walked on as a football player at the University of Miami, where he played just 24 games. Though he never started a game for the Hurricanes, Nelms earned most of his playing time during his third year on the team while he gained a graduate degree in exercise physiology.
A native of Neptune, N.J., he was a two-time All-ACC selection in track, winning the gold medal at the conference championships in the 60-meter indoor hurdles and the 110-meter outdoor hurdles.
