
ALAMEDA –- Defensive tackle Justin Ellis was a full participant in Thursday’s Raiders practice and, barring a setback with his sprained left ankle, he will play in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
That’s a good thing for a defensive front that must corral shift rusher Matt Forte. It’s also good for Ellis’ psyche. The second-year pro hoped to play a week after getting hurt early in the regular-season opener, but he was prevented from play and practice for over two weeks.
“There are times when you start walking better and feeling better and you think you’re ready to go,” Ellis said. “But then the issues come back, and that’s disappointing. Nobody likes to go down, even if you’re winning. It’s a struggle then because you want to be out there with the guys, having fun.”
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.
[BAIR: Carr: Raiders offense 'has not met our standard']
Ellis should line up next to Dan Williams on the interior, whether the Raiders are in a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive front.
Ellis is an excellent run defender and should be key in a tackle rotation that also features Stacy McGee. It doesn’t look like C.J. Wilson will be a part of that, after missing two straight practices with a calf strain suffered in a Week 3 win over Cleveland.
NOTES
NFL
-- Raiders edge rusher Khalil Mack showed up on the Raiders participation report Thursday afternoon with a hip injury. He was limited in that practice. The extent of the injury is uncertain. Mack hasn’t showed up on the injury report, but seemed to be dealing with some groin/hip issues after a Week 2 win over Baltimore.
-- Safety Charles Woodson and defensive end Justin Tuck returned to practice on a limited basis after missing Wednesday’s work. That follows a similar patter to last week, though both players were limited last Thursday.
-- It looks increasingly unlikely that running back Taiwan Jones (foot), cornerback Keith McGill (foot) and defensive tackle C.J. Wilson are able to play on Sunday.
-- Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was limited for a second straight practice, and said he is “day-to-day” with a hamstring injury. He missed last game with injury, and either he or Jimmy Clausen will start on Sunday.
-- Top-flight Bears receiver Alshon Jeffrey was limited with a hamstring injury.
Raiders participation report
Did not practice: DE/LB Benson Mayowa (knee), RB Taiwan Jones (foot), CB Keith McGill (foot), DT C.J. Wilson (calf)
Limited practice: S Charles Woodson (shoulder), LB Benn Heeney (hamstring), DE Khalil Mack (hip), DE Justin Tuck
Full participation: DT Justin Ellis (ankle), FB Jamize Olawale (ankle)
Bears participation report
Did not practice: OT Jermon Bushrod (concussion, shoulder)
Limited practice: P Pat O’Donnell (knee), QB Jay Cutler (hamstring), DL Ego Ferguson (knee), WR Alshon Jeffery (hamstring), DL Jeremiah Ratliff (ankle), DL Will Sutton (elbow)