B.J.

Raji

Jones believes DT is a need, but thinks the Raiders disagree. He expects Al Davis to place a priority on needs at safety, wide receiver, or offensive tackle.

The paper believes Raji could experience a “slight” drop, but we doubt he’ll make it by the Raiders at No. 7 overall. The Oakland Tribune reported Thursday that owner Al Davis will have little concern about Raji’s drug test.

The Packers, Jaguars, and Bills can thank Al Davis for giving Heyward-Bey a ridiculous 20+ percent raise over what last year’s No. 7 overall pick received. Green Bay appears to be waiting for Jacksonville to sign Eugene Monroe before getting serious with B.J. Raji, but isn’t criticizing Raji’s holdout.

“B.J.'s played too much to this point,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We’ve got to watch his numbers.” The Packers started subbing Raji out more in Week 10 and Howard Green was the recipient of extra snaps. Of course, this will do nothing to dispel the premature concern that the Packers start resting skill position players, too.

Along with the rest of the Packers’ defense, Raji took a step back last year. It’s possible he wore down after playing virtually every snap in the first three years of his career. “We have to be smart with him in terms of how much we play him, try to keep him fresh and keep him going,” said DC Dom Capers. The Packers picked two defensive tackles (Jerel Worthy, Mike Daniels) in the first four rounds of the draft.

He couldn’t even make it through the rehab portion, which comes before team drills. Coach Mike McCarthy says Raji is capable of playing without practicing, but it’s hard to imagine he’ll be anywhere near 100 percent if active Sunday night against Houston. Losing Raji would be a huge blow to Green Bay’s run defense.

He’s listed as probable. Raji’s return is a blow to Rashad Jennings’ Week 8 fantasy matchup, although Green Bay has also lost key run stoppers ILB D.J. Smith (ACL tear) and FS Charles Woodson (collarbone) for lengthy periods of time. Through five 2012 appearances, Raji has seven tackles and no sacks.

Raji missed roughly three games after hurting his ankle in Week 5. His status for Sunday night’s showdown with the Giants will be updated Wednesday.

Raji hobbled off the field under his own power, but headed to the locker room after receiving treatment on the sideline. It appears he’s avoided a high-ankle sprain, but it’s still quite likely his afternoon is through.

Raji was carted off in the first half of the loss to the Colts. “I rolled my ankle, wasn’t able to come back,” he said. “There’s nothing more to say.” The Packers will update Raji’s status after a Monday MRI. Per ProFootballTalk, the injury is not currently believed to be serious.