Raiders snap count: McDonald steps in, plays a ton vs. Broncos

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ALAMEDA – Clinton McDonald signed with the Raiders on Wednesday, but didn’t practice until the following afternoon. A few days later, he played 52 snaps. 

Nobody on the defensive line played more, an effort required after the defensive tackle spot endured an injury plague. Justin Ellis is now on IR. P.J. Hall missed Sunday’s 20-19 loss to Denver, and is expected to miss another week at least. 

McDonald graded out well, per Pro Football Focus, and had two tackles and two quarterback pressures against the Broncos. He did get cleared out to open a rushing lane for Phillip Lindsay’s 53-yard scamper.

The Raiders had to work a new player in on the inside, including three players who had been with the team less than two weeks. McDonald, Brian Price and Johnathan Hankins helped Maurice Hurst work on the defensive interior. 

McDonald played a major role, despite precious little prep. 

“We were in a tough spot yesterday, certainly with [Brian] Price playing for the first time," Jon Gruden said. "Hankins and Clinton basically just showing up before the game. He did a heck of a job. He not only played a lot of snaps, he played some good snaps against the run and he gave us a little bit of pass rush in there. That’s been his history. He can play the nose or the three-technique and that’s what he did yesterday.”

This rotation will hold for some time, though Hankins’ workload should increase as time wears on. Hall will be welcomed back with open arms when healthy, especially as an interior pass rusher. 

There’s some shuffling going on at safety, where Erik Harris took some defensive snaps from Marcus Gilchrist and Reggie Nelson. It’s clear 2016 first-round pick Karl Joseph is down on the depth chart at this stage, another blow for recent Raiders draft classes. 

Martavis Bryant was active in his first game back with the Raiders, totaling four catches for 40 yards on 26 snaps. His presence helped the passing game as a whole, with receptions and clearing space for others like Amari Cooper. 

“His presence out there makes a difference,” Gruden said. 

Offense
Total offensive snaps: 65
Quarterback – Derek Carr 65
Running back – Marshawn Lynch 42, Doug Martin 16, Jalen Richard 8, Keith Smith 8
Wide receiver – Jordy Nelson 54, Amari Cooper 54, Martavis Bryant 26, Seth Roberts 22, Brandon LaFell 7
Tight end – Jared Cook 52, Lee Smith 22, Derek Carrier 11
Offensive line – Donald Penn 65, Gabe Jackson 65, Kolton Miller 65, Rodney Hudson 65, Kelechi Osemele 65, Jon Feliciano 3
 
Defense
Total defensive snaps: 65
Defensive line – Clinton McDonald 52, Bruce Irvin 49, Arden Key 42, Maurice Hurst 37, Frostee Rucker 28, Tank Carradine 24, Johnathan Hankins 18, Brian Price 17 
Linebacker – Tahir Whitehead 63, Derrick Johnson 43, Marquel Lee 25, Emmanuel Lamur 14
Defensive back – Rashaan Melvin 64, Gareon Conley 64, Leon Hall 55, Marcus Gilchrist 53, Reggie Nelson 48, Erik Harris 26, Karl Joseph 3
 
Special teams
Total special teams plays: 22
Erik Harris 22, Marquel Lee 22, Kyle Wilber 22, Carrier 22, Nick Morrow 18, K. Smith 18, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 15, L. Smith 10, Richard 10, Gilchrist 9, Mike Nugent 9, Johnny Townsend 8, Trent Sieg 8, Melvin 7, Martin 5, Rucker 5, Brandon Parker 4, Penn 4, Miller 4, Feliciano 4, Whitehead 4, Osemele 4, Nelson 4, McDonald 4, Irvin 4, Nelson 4. Hall 3, Murst 3, Carradine 3, Key 1 

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