Raiders Weak Against Broncos' Strengths
Oakland Raiders
Out
T Khalif Barnes (groin), CB Shawntae Spencer (foot)
Doubtful
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (concussion, neck)
Questionable
RB Mike Goodson (hamstring), TE Richard Gordon (hamstring), TE Brandon Myers (concussion), WR Rod Streater (eye, neck)
Probable
TE David Ausberry (shoulder), S Michael Huff (knee), K Sebastian Janikowski (left groin), DT Tommy Kelly (knee), RB Darren McFadden (shoulder), C Alex Parsons (shoulder), DT Richard Seymour (knee)
The Raiders once again will be without tackle Kalif Barnes and cornerback Shawntae Spencer who have both been ruled out for Sunday.
Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey who suffered that concussion early in the fourth quarter on a helmet-to-helmet hit with Steelers' safety Ryan Mundy is doubtful as he undergoes a series of protocol post concussion tests. He also missed all three practices this week making it even more likely he won't play.
Rookie wideout Rod Streater tweaked his neck in Friday's practice and he is questionable for Sunday's game.
That leaves the Raiders with only two healthy receivers, Denarius Moore and Derek Hagan, both of whom will start vs. the Broncos. With fellow rookie Juron Criner on the mend with an ankle injury, there is a possibility the Raiders will sign Travionte Session or Tori Gurley from the practice squad.
The other option is to continue to use the running backs in the passing game leaving the possibility that Darren McFadden, Marcel Reece, and tight end David Ausberry could receive passes from the back field.
Tight end Brandon Myers also took a helmet-to-helmet hit by Mundy and has passed his concussion tests. He is listed as questionable but will start on Sunday.
Backup tight end Richard Gordon suffered a hamstring injury in Friday's practice and is also listed as questionable.
Denver Broncos
Out
S Quinton Carter (knee)
Doubtful
G Chris Kuper (forearm)
Questionable
LB Nate Irving (concussion), WR Matt Willis (hamstring)
Probable
CB Chris Harris (ankle), RB Willis McGahee (ribs), CB Tracy Porter (knee), TE Jacob Tamme (groin)
Starting running back Willis McGahee (ribs), cornerback Tracy Porter (knee) and tight end Jacob Tamme (groin), all of whom suffered their injuries Sunday against Houston, all practiced this week and are probable to play vs. the Raiders.
McGahee might wear extra padding around his torso for the game on Sunday.
Right guard Chris Kuper also madehis return to practice, his first time on the field since breaking a bone in his forearm on Aug. 14. Kuper is doubtful and will likely not play. The only player ruled out is safety Quinton Carter still recovering from a preseason knee injury.
Wide receiver Matt Willis injured his hamstring against Houston and linebacker Nate Irving suffered a concussion. Both players are listed as questionable.
The bad news for the Broncos as they get ready to face Oakland's Darren McFadden is at linebacker. Starting middle linebacker Joe Mays is suspended one game for his hit on Houston quarterback Matt Schaub.
Keith Brooking is likely to replace Mays at middle linebacker, with Wesley Woodyard starting at weakside linebacker.
For more Local Football Bloggers and the lateset 49ers news see CBS Sports Sacramento.
Ryan Leong has reported on over 2,800 games in the Bay Area since 1998, covering the Sharks, Giants, A's, Warriors, 49ers, Raiders and the local college teams for radio networks and wire services. Having the best seat in the house to watch sports has been a thrill and Ryan still enjoys going to the games giving fans some insight and perspective on the players and coaches. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
