Raiders promote LB Kaelin Burnett from practice squad

The Oakland Raiders have promoted linebacker Kaelin Burnett from the practice squad, reports ESPN. Oakland had released linebacker Aaron Curry, opening the spot for Burnett.

Burnett was signed by the Raiders as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2012 season. A native of southern California, Burnett is a graduate of the University of Nevada with experience at both linebacker and defensive end. At 6'5 and 234 pounds, he's severely undersized for an end at the NFL level, and with the Raiders it's expected that he would fit in a rush linebacker role. He was also a standout on special teams with the Wolfpack, so Oakland may find a role for him there as well.

Curry was selected fourth overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2009 NFL draft, but he floundered in the league and was traded to Oakland for a pair of late-round draft picks. He failed to find a niche with Oakland and after a Week 10 performance that included two personal fouls and $23,000 worth of fines in a total of 15 snaps, the Raiders began looking elsewhere.