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Hefty List Of Injured Raiders Players Shouldn't Impact Game Against Chargers

By JL Herrera

Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders have a pretty big injury list to deal with while getting ready to face AFC West rivals the San Diego Chargers Sunday night in Oakland.

Coach Dennis Allen addressed the media after Thursday's practice and told it like was right off the bat.

"I'll update you on the injuries and then I'll answer your questions," said Allen. "Tyvon Branch didn't practice today. Jason Hunter was limited again today. Darren McFadden did not practice. Stacy McGee was limited. Lucas Nix was limited. Tony Pashos was limited today. Tracy Porter was full. Terrelle Pryor was full. Marcel Reece was limited. Menelik Watson was limited. Stefen Wisniewski did not practice and Charles Woodson was back full today."

The injury list was quite long for the Oakland Raiders, but there are only a few to be truly concerned about.

Fullback Marcel Reece

Coach Allen stated that fullback Marcel Reece (knee injury) had a better practice on Thursday than he did on Wednesday. Allen added that Reece is still being watched from day to day.

Reece's backup, Jamize Olawale, is healthy and ready to go. Unfortunately, Olawale does not have the experience that Reece has, and that experience will be needed against the Chargers this weekend.

Running back Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden did not practice on Thursday, and Coach Allen was ambiguous about McFadden's ability for Sunday. He did mention that he wanted to see something from the running back before deciding if he will participate against the Chargers. It was insinuated that if McFadden doesn't practice sometime at the end of the week, the running back will not play.

The backup for McFadden is Rashad Jennings, a guy with a lot of experience who has been doing well as McFadden's backup. In 20 attempts, Jennings has 79 yards, but has had 88 yard in 11 receptions and zero fumbles. Jennings could really have a chance to shine this Sunday if McFadden is out.

Center Guard Stefen Wisnieswski

Stefen Wisnieswski did not practice on Thursday due to a knee injury. Coach Allen stated that Wiz is good, but has confidence that the backup, Andre Gurode, will do a great job. Gurode has a lot of experience in the league and is a good player. Allen will see if Wiz will be able to practice on Friday, and things will be reevaluated after that.

Allen has been a bit secretive about his starters this season, yet his secrecy hasn't proved very successful as of yet. The only thing for sure this weekend it that quarterback Terrelle Pryor is back in the starting position.

Injury Report

Probable:

  • Defensive end Jason Hunter (quad)
  • Guard Nix Lucas (ankle)
  • Tackle Tony Pashos (groin)
  • Cornerback Tracy Porter (ribs)
  • Fullback Marcel Reece (knee)
  • Safety Charles Woodson (not injury related)

Questionable:

  • Defensive tackle Stacy McGee (ankle)
  • Tackle Menelik Watson (knee)

Doubtful:

  • Cornerback Tyvon Branch (ankle)
  • Running back Darren McFadden (hamstring)
  • Center guard Stefen Wisniewski (knee)

For more Raiders news and updates, visit Raiders Central.

J.L. Herrera is a huge fan of football and has been following the Raiders since the 1980s during the LA era. J.L. is also a freelance writer and copywriter on the web. He taught English for a little more than a decade in Los Angeles at the secondary level. While writing for web based news outlets, J.L. enjoys reading, creative writing, and watching sports. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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