The Oakland Raiders are dealing with several injuries as they prepare to host New Orleans on Thursday.
Safety Tyvon Branch, one of the team’s better defenders, missed his second straight day of practice Thursday with a neck injury. Fellow starter Matt Giordano was limited Thursday after missing Wednesday’s practice with a concussion. The Raiders will need these players as they host Drew Brees, who is leading the NFL in passing yardage.
Running back Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson continued to be out. They both suffered high ankle sprains in Week 9 and didn’t play Sunday. Oakland coach Dennis Allen told reporters Thursday that McFadden ran on the side with trainers. Still, he may be a long shot to play Sunday.
Two other players who are in danger of not playing against the Saints are defensive tackle Richard Seymour (knee/hamstring) and receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. Neither practiced Thursday and Seymour missed Sunday’s game. Heyward-Bey was limited Wednesday. The Raiders did get some good injury news. Standout tight end Brandon Myers practiced fully Thursday after being limited Wednesday because of a shoulder injury and a concussion.
Meanwhile, the game will be shown locally.