NFL

Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable will not be charged for his alleged assault on former assistant coach Randy Hanson. In the press release, the Napa County D.A. indicated that Hanson was not a credible witness.

Raiders coach Tom Cable remains a candidate for discipline under the NFL personal conduct policy. The NFL’s statement reads: “We will review the decision announced earlier today by the Napa District Attorney and the facts developed in the underlying investigation. Following that review, we will take appropriate action, if any, under our policies.” For now, the Raiders organization can breath easily and prepare to play the New York Jets this Sunday.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

San Diego: Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson was one of four Chargers players to miss Thursday’s practice with illness.

New York: Jets coach Rex Ryan indicated on Thursday that WR Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring) has a “real shot” to play this week. Cotchery is expected to be a game-time decision this Sunday at Oakland.

New York: Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer expressed confidence in Mark Sanchez Thursday, comparing his first six starts to those of Carson Palmer, Peyton Manning, and Eli Manning. “It’s amazing, the numbers. They are not identical, but they are almost identical,” said Schottenheimer. “I don’t think that this is something unusual. I think this is what happens.” Sanchez should be able to get back on track this Sunday at Oakland if the Jets are able to establish an effective running attack.

New York: Braylon Edwards (quadriceps) was limited again in Thursday’s practice. Jets coach Rex Ryan has expressed no concern over Braylon Edwards missing this week’s game.

Eli Manning (foot) was upgraded to full participation in Thursday’s practice. Manning should make the start against the Cardinals No. 31 ranked pass defense.

Houston: Houston Texans DT Amobi Okoye is “steadily playing his best football as a pro,” according to coach Gary Kubiak. “I think there’s still another level for him to find, but he’s obviously playing with more confidence and playing better,” Kubiak added. Okoye has 13 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss and two pass deflections and over the past four games has been applying consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback.

Green Bay: According to beat writer Pete Dougherty, Packers LB A.J. Hawk will have to take a “major” pay cut to return to Green Bay next season. Hawk, who is due $4.1 million next season and $10 million in 2011, is not an idea LB for the 3-4 defense.

Former Bears RB Cedric Benson believes the Bears tried to blackball him from the league after he was released in 2008. Benson alleges that the Bears would tell prospective teams that he “didn’t work hard” and was a “prima donna.” The Bears are denying that Benson was blackballed by anyone in the organization.

Houston: Texans coach Gary Kubiak praised TE Owen Daniels Thursday, saying he’s become “big-time player in this league…He’s more consistent in the run game for us than he’s ever been. Obviously, y’all know the plays he can make in the pass game … He’s going to do it for a long, long time.” Daniels is the highest rated fantasy TE this season thus far.