Nnamdi Asomugha has either missed or been limited in practice all week. He says he is feeling better than he did last, which is a good thing since he couldn’t plant and turn last Sunday. He is listed as questionable, but barring the unforseen, he will play. He just won’t be 100 percent.
Asomugha, is not the only injured Raider in the defensive backfield. Chris Johnson has not practiced in two weeks, due to a strained groin and he is listed as doubtful. SS Tyvon Branch has a shoulder issue and he was limited in practice on Friday. He is listed as questionable. If he cannot play, SS Mike Mitchell will start in his place. With FS Michael Huff likely switching over to corner to make up for injuries, this could leave the Raiders with rookie Stevie Brown and the second year Mitchell manning the Safety position for the Raiders against the pass happy Chargers’ offense.
That pass happy Charger offense is far from 100 percent. WR Patrick Crayton has already been ruled out and it is highly unlikely that WR Vincent Jackson will play as he is listed as doubtful. WR Malcolm Floyd, who torched the Raiders for over 200 yards in Week Four, has returned to practice in a limited capacity after suffering a hamstring injury. He is questionable for Sunday’s game. The Chargers leading receiver is TE Anotnio Gates. Gates has been hampered by foot issues and was held out of Friday’s practice, but he is expected to play and is listed as questionable.
Filling out the Raiders questionable list are Richard Seymour (knee), Rolando McClain (foot), Zach Miller (foot) and Chaz Schilens (knee). Tom Cable described McClain’s foot problem as arthritis. He was held out of Friday’s practice and it will be wait and see for McClain.