
OAKLAND -- Tyvon Branch's 57-game streak of starting for the Raiders has come to an end as the franchise-tagged strong safety was on the list of inactive players for Oakland for it game against New Orleans.Branch, who was slapped with the franchise tag in the offseason before signing a long-term deal, tweaked his neck in last week's game at Baltimore. Mike Mitchell will start in Branch's place.RELATED: Key matchup No. 1 -- Mike Mitchell vs. Jimmy Graham
Running backs Darren McFadden (ankle) and Mike Goodson (ankle) and defensive tackle Richard Seymour (hamstringknee) were already declared out on Friday. Marcel Reece will start at running back, with Owen Schmitt replacing Reece at fullback while Desmond Bryant will start for Seymour for the second week in a row.The rest of the Raiders inactives then -- quarterback Terrelle Pryor and offensive linemen Lucas Nix and Willie Smith, which means that Khalif Barnes will start at right tackle for the first time since going down with a groin injury in Week 2 at Miami.Also, receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who strained a hamstring in practice on Wednesday and did not practice Thursday or Friday, is active. As is newly-signed linebacker Omar Gaither, who was signed with Travis Goethel going on season-ending Injured Reserve this week.The Saints inactives -- receiver Greg Camarillo, cornerback Corey White, running back Darren Sproles, linebacker Scott Shanle, tackle Zach Strief, defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker and defensive end Junior Galette. Charles Brown will start at right tackle for Strief.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.