ALAMEDA – Justin Ellis was out on the field during Raiders practice, but the veteran defensive tackle was still working on the side with a trainer.
He hasn’t been designated to return off injured reserve yet as expected. His recovery from a foot injury sustained in the season opener needs more time to complete. He was eligible to start practice after Week 6, but wasn’t ready then and still isn’t now.
After a player is designated to return, he can practice for 21 days before being placed on the 53-man roster. A team could also choose to end his season if he’s not deemed ready. This makes it unlikely Ellis return to game action in the next few weeks.
Ellis would help a porous Raiders run defense, but just isn’t ready yet.
The Raiders also won’t have defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes, who had his practice window close without being taken off the physically unable to perform list.
The Raiders are thin at receiver as well, with Martavis Bryant and Jordy Nelson sidelined with knee injuries.
Raiders practice report
NFL
WEDNESDAY
Did not practice
WR Martavis Bryant (knee)
WR Jordy Nelson (knee)
Limited practice
CB Gareon Conley (groin)
LB Kyle Wilber (knee)
C Rodney Hudson (ankle)
LG Kelechi Osemele (knee)
CB Daryl Worley (shoulder)
Full practice
RG Gabe Jackson (pectoral)
OL Jon Feliciano (ribs)
LT Kolton Miller (knee/elbow)
WR Dwayne Harris (shoulder)
RB Doug Martin (hip)
Cardinals practice report
WEDNESDAY
Did not practice
S Budda Baker (knee)
K Phil Dawson (hip)
WR Larry Fitzgerald (not injury related)
S Rudy Ford (heel)
DT Rodney Gunter (not injury related)
OL DJ Humphries (knee)
OL Mike Iupati (back)
DT Robert Nkemdiche (calf)
WR Chad Williams (ankle)
Limited practice
LB Josh Bynes (wrist)
DT Corey Peters (heel)
OL Jeremy Vujnovich (hamstring)