
ALAMEDA –- The Raiders have six defensive linemen on the active roster. Only four of them are healthy heading into Sunday’s game at the San Diego Chargers.
Denico Autry was ruled out on Friday’s official injury report with concussion-like symptoms that recurred after he was cleared to practice on Wednesday. The Raiders are being cautious with the versatile lineman, who will stay in the East Bay this weekend.
Defensive tackle Justin Ellis will make the trip south after being ruled doubtful with an ankle sprain that kept him out of the week’s practice.
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That leaves Dan Williams, Stacy McGee, C.J. Wilson and Mario Edwards Jr. along a three-man front. Edge rushers Aldon Smith, Khalil Mack and Benson Mayowa will also contribute to a 3-4 defensive front that switches to a 5-2 at times in base packages.
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The defensive line is down a man with Justin Tuck on injured reserve and his roster spot filled by a safety.
“You’re always concerned whenever you can’t have all your guys go, but we’re ‘next man up’ mentality,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “We’ll have a rotation ready to roll.”
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Del Rio wouldn’t commit to dipping into his practice squad to add numbers, though he has Shelby Harris available for promotion.
While the defensive line is ailing, the Raiders running backs are healthy again. Taiwan Jones is set to return from a foot injury and be a sparkplug in the run game, and Latavius Murray is healthy after dealing with shoulder troubles the last two games.
The Chargers have injury troubles of their own, with free safety Eric Weddle ruled out due to a groin injury. Tight end Antonio Gates is questionable with a knee strain, as is Keenan Allen due to a hip injury. Allen told reporters in San Diego that he is going to play.
Raiders injury report
Out: DT Denico Autry (concussion)
Doubtful: DT Justin Ellis (ankle)
Probable: S Charles Woodson (shoulder), RB Latavius Murray (shoulder), RB Taiwan Jones (foot)
Chargers injury report
Out: CB Craig Mager (hamstring), OLb Tourek Williams (foot), FS Eric Weddle (groin)
Doubtful: ILB Manti Te’o (ankle)
Questionable: OT Chris Hairston (ankle), RB Melvin Gordon (ankle), TE Antonio Gates (knee), C Chris Watt (groin), WR Stevie Johnson (hamstring), OT King Dunlap (concussion), WR Keenan Allen (hip)
Probable: OG D.J. Fluker (ankle), SS Jaheel Addae (back), OLB Kyle Emmanuel (shoulder), OG Orlando Franklin (ankle)