ALAMEDA -- The Raiders are going to need their reinforcements at defensive tackle to play significant roles right away.
Nose tackle Justin Ellis (foot) was formally placed on injured reserve Thursday morning, and rookie P.J. Hall missed his second straight practice with an ankle sprain later than afternoon.
It seems unlikely at this stage Hall will be able to play Sunday against the Denver Broncos. We’ll know more after Friday’s injury report, but odds are great that new signings Johnathan Hankins and Clinton McDonald will have to play significant snaps for the Raiders.
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“Yeah, pretty much,” Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said. “They’re the kind of positions where Clinton’s played three (technique), Hankins plays nose (tackle) in a similar defense that we’ve been in. So, it’s not like it’s a receiver that has to learn a bunch of plays. Some of the stuff he’ll have to know as far as the blitzes and some of that stuff goes, but I think he’ll fit in quick.”
It’s no easy task to step right in and play after two practices, but it will be required, given the state of the Raiders' interior defensive line.
Thursday’s Injury Report
RAIDERS
Did not practice
DT P.J. Hall (ankle)
NFL
Limited practice
RB DeAndre Washington (knee)
RB Marshawn Lynch (shoulder)
DT Brian Price (hamstring)
WR Dwayne Harris (foot)
G Gabe Jackson (Pectoral)
WR Brandon LaFell (back)
P Johnny Townsend (quad)
Full participation
C Rodney Hudson (ankle)
WR Brandon LaFell (back)
RB Marshawn Lynch (shoulder)
BRONCOS
Did not practice
NT Domata Peko Sr. (not injury related)
Limited practice
DE Derek Wolfe (abdomen)
Full participation
ILB Keishawn Bierria (foot)
RB Phillip Lindsay (knee)
OL Sam Jones (back)
G Ron Leary (knee)
LB Brandon Marshall (knee)
WR Tim Patrick (calf)
OLB Shane Ray (wrist)
CB Bradley Roby (wrist)