
ALAMEDA – Raiders centers Rodney Hudson and Andre James practiced Friday afternoon in the final session before Sunday’s Week 9 game against the Lions.
Head coach Jon Gruden wasn’t popping champagne. His outlook was appropriately guarded despite formally designating both of them questionable against the Lions.
The almost-never-gonna-play doubtful designation was left unused, so there’s some optimism they won’t be using standout left guard Richie Incognito in the middle.
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“They’re giving us what they have, but they’re still sore,” Gruden said. “I just know that they haven’t been able to do very much. [Lions defensive tackle] ‘Snacks’ Harrison is one heck of a player we’re facing, so we have to be smart about this.”
It seems more likely that James will rebound than Hudson. After all, Hudson couldn’t even walk off the field after getting hurt in the Raiders' Week 8 loss vs. the Texans. The star center has played through kidney stones, so it’s impossible to count him out completely.
James missed two days work, never ideal for a rookie, but he’s well versed enough in the system to get by without tons of practice work.
“I’ve studied their defense and have taken tons of mental reps, which is huge for me,” James said. “I have been watching film and visualizing each rep in my head. Going full in practice is obviously better, but I have been staying with it and know the game plan. I feel comfortable with all of that.”
NFL
James’ ankle sprain is of unknown severity, though he finished out the game against Houston before taking it easy this week in practice.
The Raiders did not rule anyone out for this game but designated six guys questionable. Receiver Tyrell Williams has come off the injury report after full participation in Thursday and Friday practice.
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INJURY REPORT
RAIDERS
Questionable
WR Dwayne Harris (ankle)
C Rodney Hudson (ankle)
C Andre James (ankle)
DE Josh Mauro (groin)
S Erik Harris (illness)
DT P.J. Hall (shoulder)
LIONS
Out
DB Tracy Walker (knee)
Doubtful
DT Mike Daniels (foot)
Questionable
G/C Graham Glasgow (back)
CB Amani Oruwariye (knee)
CB Darius Slay (hamstring)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
RB Tra Carson (hamstring)
DT A’Shawn Robinson (ankle)