Atlanta Falcons tight end Tommy Gallarda (87) misses the catch as Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Rolando McClain (55) makes the hit and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) watches in the background during the second half of an NFL football game,
Atlanta Falcons tight end Tommy Gallarda (87) misses the catch as Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Rolando McClain (55) makes the hit and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) watches in the background during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, in Atlanta. John Bazemore, Associated Press
By Associated Press

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Rolando McClain arrived in Oakland two years ago amid expectations that he would be the impact middle linebacker who could transform a Raiders defense that had struggled to stop the run.

Less than halfway through his third season with the Raiders, McClain has been relegated to spot duty. McClain is now only being used in base defensive packages, playing a season-low 17 defensive plays last week in Atlanta.

While McClain figures to get more time Sunday against Maurice Jones-Drew and the run-oriented Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4), he will remain a part-time player for the Raiders (1-4) for the time being.

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