Injury Report: Raiders-Lions Predictions Remain In Favor Of Visitors In NFL Week 11
By Abraham Gutierrez
When the Oakland Raiders step on the gridiron under the dome of the Detroit Lions' Ford Field Sunday morning, they'll be facing a must-win situation in terms of their playoff hopes. Losers of two straight, Jack Del Rio cannot afford a letdown, especially considering that the Denver Broncos have left the door wide open for the Silver and Black to win the AFC West.
That's why this week's injury report is crucial for the Raiders hopes to go on the road and come away victorious. With that in mind, Raider Nation would be glad to know that there are only three players in danger, and/or likely to sit out Sunday's game.
Starting with the bad news, Oakland will be without the services of linebacker Neiron Ball, as he continues to recuperate from a knee injury. The rookie out of the University of Florida will miss his fourth game of the season after sitting out an entire week of practice.
With Aldon Smith's unexpected suspension, Oakland will be left with Ray-Ray Armstrong and Lorenzo Alexander as back-up options for first-string OLB Malcolm Smith. But those aren't the only players that are in danger of being in street clothes on gameday, as there's one listed as doubtful and the other listed as questionable.
Other than Ball, the other Raider that most likely to sit out this week's contest is tight end Lee Smith. The fifth-year, Marshall product is dealing with a wrist injury that didn't allow him to practice all week. As a result, Smith is listed as doubtful against the Lions, leaving Del Rio to choose from Mychal Rivera and/or Clive Walford down the middle.
Finally, getting the bad news out of the way, the only other player that's in danger of being a DNP in Motown is center Rodney Hudson (ankle). The fifth-year pro out of Florida State was only able to participate on a limited basis in practice this week, and thus, has been listed as questionable.
Then, there are those players that Del Rio and his staff can pretty much count on to be on the field, as they're listed as probable to play. As Raiders fans have grown accustomed to this season, safety Charles Woodson tops the list of probable players this week, as he continues to deal with an injured shoulder.
Despite suffering the injury in the Raiders' season opener, the eight-time Pro Bowler still sits atop the NFL's list for most interceptions, tied with Mike Adams of the Indianapolis Colts.
There are two other players listed as probable in the Raiders' NFL Week 11 injury report, and they all happen to be part of the secondary. Joining Woodson is cornerback D.J. Hayden (ankle) and fellow safety Taylor Mays (ankle). Hayden and Mays are both coming off a week in which they were able to participate in full practices, which is always a good sign for Ken Norton Jr. and the Silver and Black defense.
Oakland Raiders NFL Week 11 Injury Report & Game Statuses
Probable:
(CB) D.J. Hayden (Ankle) Full Participation in Practice
(S) Taylor Mays (Ankle) Full Participation in Practice
(S) Charles Woodson (Shoulder) Full Participation in Practice
Questionable:
(C) Rodney Hudson (Ankle) Limited Participation in Practice
Doubtful:
(TE) Lee Smith (Wrist) Did Not Participate In Practice
Out:
(LB) Neiron Ball (Knee) Did Not Participate In Practice
Abe Gutierrez's (Twitter: @GutierrezAbe) passion led him to ditch law school journey in order to launch his own publishing company. His expertise make him a valued addition to Examiner.com, AXS.com and the CBS-Sports family. Some of his work can be found on CBS-Miami (Dolphins), CBS-LosAngeles (Chargers), CBS-BayArea (Raiders), CBS-NewYork (NY Jets), CBS-TampaBay (Buccaneers), AXS.com, aExaminer.com and other online publications.
