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Unofficial listing of injuries to key Raiders players during the 2013 season:
Starting cornerbacks Mike Jenkins (hamstring) and Tracy Porter (hip flexor) are listed as questionable for the Denver at Oakland game on Dec. 29. If Jenkins and Porter are unavailable to play, backups Chimdi Chekwa and Phillip Adams will start at cornerback against the Broncos.
McFadden, 26, has never played a full 16-game schedule and has been sidelined for 19 of Oakland's past 39 games. He reportedly has missed nearly two complete seasons (29 games) due to injuries ranging from turf toe to Lisfranc.
McFadden this season is third on the Raiders with 352 rushing yards on 98
carries. His average of 3.5 yards per game is slightly better than a career-low of 3.3 yards in the 2012 season when he led the Raiders with 707 rushing yards in 12 games.
Running back Darren McFadden — Reportedly returned to practice Dec. 18 after missing the past three games because of an ankle injury. The six-year veteran also missed three games earlier this season with a hamstring injury.
Strong safety Tyvon Branch — Placed on season-ending injured reserve, the Raiders announced Dec. 14, 2013. Branch, 27, returned to practice Dec. 4 after reportedly fracturing the fibula in his right leg during the first half of Oakland's 19-9 win over Jacksonville on Sept. 15. He started 80 of 82 games from the beginning of the 2009 season until being injured this season in Week 2.
Running backs Darren McFadden (ankle) and Jeremy Stewart (ankle) reportedly have been ruled out of Oakland's game against the the visiting Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 15. Strong safety Tyvon Branch (leg) and defensive tackle Vance Walker are listed as doubtful while wide receiver Denarius Moore (shoulder) and guard/tackle Khalif Barnes (knee, leg) are questionable.
Wide receiver Denarius Moore — Returned to practice on Dec. 11 for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury against Houston on Nov. 17. Despite missing the past three games, Moore is second on the team in receptions (37) and receiving yards (569).
Running back Rashad Jennings — Reportedly has been cleared for contact in practice and to play after being held out of the Oakland at New York Jets game on Dec. 8 because of a concussion.
Defensive tackle Vance Walker — Sustained a concussion during Oakland's 37-27 loss to the New York Jets on Dec. 8. Walker needs to pass the NFL concussion protocol before being cleared for contact in practice and to play.
Linebacker Sio Moore — Sustained a neck injury during Oakland's 37-27 loss to the New York Jets on Dec. 8 but finished the game.
Tight end Nick Kasa — Sustained a concussion during Oakland's 37-27 loss to the New York Jets on Dec. 8. Kasa needs to pass the NFL concussion protocol before being cleared for contact in practice and to play.
Running back Rashad Jennings (concussion) and linebacker Miles Burris are questionable. Jennings needs to pass the NFL concussion protocol before he can be cleared to play.
Lucas Nicks reportedly will start at right guard in place of Brisiel, who sustained a knee injury against Dallas on Nov. 28. Nix started nine games this season before being replaced by Khalif Barnes for the Dallas game.
The following Raiders players reportedly have been ruled out of Oakland's game against the host New York Jets on Dec. 8 — strong safety Tyvon Branch, guard Mike Brisiel (knee), linebacker Kaluka Maiava (ribs, calf), running back Darren McFadden (ankle), wide receiver Denarius Moore (shoulder), running back Jeremy Stewart (ankle, knee) and safety Usama Young (neck).
“If my leg holds up, I think I can make an impact,” Branch told reporters Dec. 5. “That’s part of my game is coming in and making plays. If I have a chance to come out there and make some plays, I want to.”
Strong safety Tyvon Branch — Reportedly took part in practice on Dec. 4 for the first time since breaking his right leg against Jacksonville in Week 2. He started 80 of 82 games from the beginning of the 2009 season until being injured this season. Branch could see action against the New York Jets on Dec. 8, although Brandian Ross is expected to start at strong safety.
Running back Rashad Jennings — Sustained a concussion during the fourth quarter of Oakland's game against Dallas on Nov. 28. He must pass the NFL concussion protocol process before being cleared for contact and to play. Jennings has a career-high 588 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 12 games this season, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Running back Darren McFadden — Returned from a three-game injury absence against Dallas on Nov. 28 and contributed 13 rushing yards on five carries but apparently hurt his ankle. He previously missed four games this season because of a hamstring injury. McFadden, who is third on the Raiders with 365 rushing yards on 103 carries, has missed 28 overall games during his five plus seasons since being selected by Oakland with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Running back Rashad Jennings — Sustained a concussion during the fourth quarter of Oakland's 31-24 loss to Dallas on Nov. 28.
Right guard Mike Brisiel — Suffered a knee injury on Oakland's first offensive play against Dallas on Nov. 28 and did not return.
Cornerback Mike Jenkins — Suffered a shoulder injury during the fourth quarter of Oakland's 31-24 loss against Dallas on Nov. 28.
Running back Darren McFadden — Is expected to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 28 after being sidelined the previous three games because of a hamstring injury. He reportedly returned to practice Nov. 26. McFadden, who is third on the Raiders with 352 rushing yards on 98 carries, has missed four games this season and 27 overall in five plus seasons since being selected by Oakland with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Update: Veldheer was activated Nov. 27 and is expected to start at left tackle against the Cowboys on Nov. 28.
Left tackle Jared Veldheer — Reportedly is on target to play against Dallas on Nov. 28. Veldheer, 26, was placed on Injured Reserve/Designated for Return on Sept. 7 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn left triceps Aug. 16. He had started 42 straight games at left tackle before being sidelined during the Raiders' 2013 training camp.
Wide receiver Denarius Moore — Has been ruled out of the Nov. 28 Oakland at Dallas game because of a shoulder injury. He suffered the injury against Houston on Nov. 17 and did not play the following week against Tennessee. Through 11 games, Moore leads the Raiders in catches (37), receiving yards (569) and touchdown catches (5). Moore hurt his shoulder during the Nov. 17 Oakland-Houston game. Andre Holmes is expected to start in place of Moore against the Cowboys.
Wide receiver Denarius Moore — Has been ruled out of the Nov. 24 Tennessee at Oakland game because of a shoulder injury. Through 10 games, Moore leads the Raiders in catches (37), receiving yards (569) and touchdown catches (5). Moore hurt his shoulder during the Nov. 17 Oakland-Houston game. Andre Holmes is expected to start in place of Moore against the Titans.
Running back Darren McFadden — Has been ruled out of the Nov. 24 Tennessee at Oakland game because of a hamstring injury, the third straight game he has been sidelined and fourth this season.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor — Is listed as questionable for the Nov. 24 Tennessee at Oakland game because of a sprained right knee. If Pryor is unavailable against the Titans, Tyler Wilson would be Oakland's No. 2 quarterback behind starter Matt McGloin.
Defensive end Jason Hunter — Has been ruled out of the Nov. 24 Tennessee at Oakland game because of a foot injury. Hunter has started nine of 10 games this season, contributing two sacks and 23 total tackles.
Defensive back D.J. Hayden — Placed on season-ending injured reserve because of a groin injury, the Raiders announced Nov. 20, 2013. Hayden, the 12th overall pick in this year's NFL draft, reportedly suffered the injury during practice Nov. 6. In eight games as a rookie in the 2013 season, the former University of Houston cornerback contributed one interception and 29 total tackles. He struggled in his final game, allowing two touchdown receptions during the Raiders' 49-21 loss to the Eagles on Nov. 3.
Linebacker Miles Burris — Added to the active roster from the Physically Unable to Perform list, the Raiders announced Nov. 20, 2013. Burris, 25, reportedly spent 11 weeks on the PUP list after offseason knee surgery and missing all of training camp. Burris started 15 games as a rookie in the 2012 season and finished third on the team with 138 tackles.
Tackle Jared Veldheer — Reportedly is on target to return to the active roster for Oakland's game against the host Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 28. Veldheer, 26, was placed on Injured Reserve/Designated for Return on Sept. 7 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn triceps Aug. 16. He had started 42 straight games at left tackle before being sidelined during the Raiders' 2013 training camp.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor — Has been ruled out of the Oakland at Houston Texans game on Nov. 17 because of a sprained right knee. Rookie Matt McGloin will start in place of Pryor against the Texans. Pryor reportedly had a setback during practice Nov. 15.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor — Is listed as questionable for the Raiders at Houston Texans on Nov,. 17 game because of a sprained right knee. If Pryor is unavailable to play, rookie Matt McGloin will start at quarterback for Oakland.
Running back Darren McFadden — Has been ruled out of the Raiders at Houston Texans game on Nov. 17 because of a hamstring injury. He will miss his second straight game and third this season. McFadden reportedly aggravated the hamstring during the second quarter of the Raiders' 49-20 loss to Philadelphia on Nov. 3. He first suffered the hamstring injury against Washington on Sept. 29 and missed the following week's contest against San Diego.
Nickel back D.J. Hayden — Has been ruled out of the Raiders at Houston Texans game on Nov. 17 because of a hamstring injury. The rookie reportedly sustained the injury in practice Nov.6.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor — Returned to practice Nov. 14 after sitting out the previous day's practice to rest his sore knee. Pryor sustained a sprained right medial collateral ligament against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 3. He started against the New York Giants on Nov. 10 but completed only 11 of 26 passes for 122 yards and rushed for a season-low 19 yards.
Right tackle Tony Pashos — Is expected to start against the Houston Texans on Nov. 17 after returning to practice Nov. 13. Pashos was sidelined four of the past five games because of a hip flexor suffered against Kansas City on Oct. 13.
Left tackle Jared Veldheer — Practiced for the first time Nov. 13 since tearing his left triceps during training camp. The Raiders reportedly have three weeks to decide whether to activate Veldheer from the short-term injured reserve list or place him on season-ending injured reserve.
Offensive right tackle Tony Pashos — Returned to practice Nov. 13 for the first time since injuring his hip against Kansas City on Oct. 13.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor — Played against the New York Giants on Nov. 10, 2013 despite having a sprained right medial collateral ligament. Pryor completed 11 of 26 passes for 122 yards and an interception during Oakland's 24-20 loss to New York. He reportedly sustained the knee injury in a Week 9 loss to Philadelphia.
Running back Darren McFadden — Has been ruled out of Oakland's game at the New York Giants on Nov. 10 because of a hamstring injury. McFadden reportedly aggravated the hamstring during the second quarter of the Raiders' 49-20 loss to Philadelphia on Nov. 3.
Nickel back D.J. Hayden — Has been ruled out of Oakland's game at the New York Giants on Nov. 10 reportedly because of a groin injury he sustained during practice Nov. 6.
Update: Pryor reportedly returned to practice Nov. 6, after being sidelined during the fourth quarter of Oakland's game against Philadelphia on Nov. 3
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor — Sidelined early in the fourth quarter against the Eagles on Nov. 3 because of a knee sprain.
Running back Darren McFadden — Re-injured a hamstring during the second quarter against Philadelphia on Nov. 3. McFadden first suffered a hamstring injury against Washington on Sept. 29 and missed the following week's contest against San Diego.
Offensive tackle Matt McCants — Sustained a toe injury during the first half against the Eagles on Nov. 3. Rookie Menelik Watson, in his NFL debut, took over for McCants.
Linebacker Miles Burris — Took part in practice on Oct. 30, his first formal practice with the team since undergoing knee surgery in January. Burris started 15 games as a rookie in 2012 but had been on the physically unable to perform list this season before getting cleared to practice in Week 9. The Raiders reportedly have three weeks to decide whether to add him to the 53-man roster.
Offensive tackle Menelik Watson — Returned to practice Oct. 30 after being sidelined for almost a month because of a calf injury. Watson reportedly will work at right tackle behind current starter Matt McCants, who took over for the injured Tony Pashos in Week 5.
Left tackle Jared Veldheer — Reportedly is close to returning to practice after undergoing surgery to repair a torn triceps Aug. 16. Veldheer, who had started 42 straight games at left tackle before being sidelined during 2013 training camp, was placed on Injured Reserve/Designated for Return on Sept. 7. "Everything’s going good,” Veldheer told reporters Oct. 30. “It’s on track with everything. It’s getting close, that’s the exciting part."
Update: Wisniewski returned to the starting lineup against Pittsburg on Oct. 27.
Center Stefen Wisniewski — Practiced Oct. 23 for the first time since sustaining a knee injury against Washington on Sept. 29. "I think having him back out there is a big boost for us," coach Dennis Allen told reporters Oct. 23.
Right offensive tackle Tony Pashos — Reportedly has not practiced since being sidelined with a hip flexor against Kansas City on October 13. Rookie Matt McCants has filled in for Pashos.
Update: McFadden rushed for 52 yards and Jennings 12 yards during Oakland's 24-7 loss to Kansas City on Oct. 13.
Running backs Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings — Both are listed as questionable for Oakland's game at Kansas City on Oct. 13 because of hamstring injuries. They reportedly made it through practice during the week without any setbacks.
Center Stefen Wisniewski — Missed his second straight game because of a right calf strain when Oakland played at Kansas City on Oct. 13.
Update: Pashos started against the Chiefs but left the game late in the first half when reportedly he sustained a groin injury late in the first half.
Right tackle Tony Pashos is listed as questionable for Oakland's game at Kansas City on Oct. 13 because of a shoulder injury. He missed Oakland's game against San Diego's on Oct. 6.
Center Andre Goude — Sustained a quadriceps injury during the first half against Kansas City on Oct. 13.
Update: McFadden and Wisniewski did not play against the Chargers while Jennings reportedly sustained a hamstring injury during the game's first quarter.
Running back Darren McFadden (hamstring) and center Stefen Wisniewski (right knee sprain) are listed as doubtful for Oakland's game against San Diego on Oct. 6, the Raiders announced Oct. 4. Both players reportedly have not practiced this week. Rashad Jennings would replace McFadden and Andre Gurode would start in place of Wisniewski against the Chargers.
Center Stefen Wisniewski — Suffered a right knee sprain against Washington on Sept. 30. If Wisniewski does not play against San Diego on Oct. 6, the Raiders will have only one projected offensive line starter (right tackle Khalif Barnes) in the lineup.
If Wisniewski is unable to play against San Diego, Andre Gurode will start at center for Oakland. Gurode, a five-time Pro Bowler with Dallas from 2006 to 2010, has not started a game at center since the last game of the 2010 season.
Offensive tackle Menelik Watson — Returned to practice Oct. 2 after missing the season's first four games because of a knee injury. Watson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after suffering the injury during the first week of the regular season, according to published reports. The rookie from Florida State entered the regular season as Oakland's starting left offensive tackle.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor — Expected to start against San Diego on Oct. 6 after being held out of Oakland's Week 4 game with Washington because of a concussion. Pryor reportedly is symptom free from the concussion he sustained against Denver on Spet. 23.
"No real updates, nothing really to report," Raiders coach Dennis Allen told reporters Oct. 2. "He has got a hamstring, and he is trying to rehab it and get out there as fast as he can."
Running back Darren McFadden — Sustained a hamstring injury during the first quarter against Washington on Sept. 29. McFadden has missed 23 full games over his first five NFL seasons because of injuries.
Fullback Marcel Reece — Sustained a knee strain against Washington on Sept. 29. Oakland coach Dennis Allen told reporters Sept. 30 that Reece had undergone an MRI and did not require surgery. Update: Reece returned to practice Oct. 2.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor — Did not play against Washington on Sept. 29 after sustaining a concussion in a Week 3 loss at Denver. Pryor reportedly was scheduled to start against the Redskins before he asked to wear a tinted visor because of sensitivity to light the night before the Washington game. Senstitivity to light is a symptom from concussions. "We wanted to make sure that we exercised extreme caution in this situation," Coach Dennis Allen told reporters Sept. 30.
Raiders coach Dennis Allen told reporters Sept. 27 that Pryor is making "a lot of progress" but Allen added that the team wants Pryor to take another test Sept. 28 as a precaution. "It is not something we have to do," Allen told reporters. "It's something we want to do. I want to make sure we are making the right decision for this kid."
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor — Reportedly passed all the concussion protocol tests required by the NFL, and is listed as questionable to play against Washington on Sept. 29.
"I feel 100 percent, definitely,” Pryor told reporters following practice Sept. 27, his second straight day of taking part in team drills after he sustained a concussion against Denver on Sept. 23. "I know I’m going to study these next two days real hard as if I will be starting."
Update: Pryor reportedly returned to practice on a limited basis on Sept. 26 but still must be cleared for contact.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor — Sustained a concussion late in the fourth quarter after a hard hit to the helmet by Denver's Wesley Woodyard on Sept. 23. Pryor reportedly
will not be able to practice until he goes through the league-mandated concussion protocol.
Update: Porter reportedly returned to practice on Sept. 25.
Cornerback Tracy Porter — Sustained a concussion during the second half against Denver on Sept. 23.
Branch reportedly sustained the injury rushing the passer during the first quarter of Oakland's 19-9 win over Jacksonville on Sept. 15. Backups Usama Young and Brandian Ross filled in for Branch against Jacksonville. Young reportedly is No. 2 on the depth chart at free safety behind starter Charles Woodson.
"If Ty's out for a while then we've got guys that we feel can step up and make plays, whether it's strong safety or free safety," Allen said.
Starting strong safety Tyvone Branch will be out for "some time," because of a right ankle injury, Raiders coach Dennis Allen told reporters Sept. 16, 2013.
Tackle Menelik Watson — Reportedly underwent surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus and could be sidelined a month. Raiders coach Dennis Allen on Sept. 12 would not confirm or deny to reporters whether Watson, a second-round pick, underwent knee surgery during the week of Sept. 2. Watson has not practiced since Sept. 4.
Tackle Jared Veldheer — Placed on Injured Reserve/Designated for Return, the Raiders announced Sept. 7, 2013. Veldheer, considered Oakland's best offensive lineman, underwent surgery to repair a torn triceps Aug. 16. He reportedly will be eligible to start practicing in six weeks and could play as early as Nov. 3 against Philadelphia.
Tackle Menelik Watson — Sidelined indefinitely after reportedly sustaining a knee injury during practice Sept. 4, 2013.
Guard Tony Bergstrom — Placed on season-ending Injured Reserve on Aug. 31. Bergstrom, 27, reportedly sustained a foot injury during Oakland's exhibition finale against Seattle on Aug. 29.
Linebacker Miles Burris — Placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the Raiders announced Aug. 27, 2013. He will be eligible to be placed on the active roster after the first six games of the season. Burris, 25, started 15 games as a rookie during the 2012 season, contributing 1.5 sacks, an interception and 62 unassisted tackles. The former San Diego State star reportedly underwent offseason arthroscopic knee surgery following Oakland's 2012 season.
Kicker Sebastian Janikowski — Reportedly strained his right calf during Oakland's 34-26 loss to Chicago on Aug. 23.
Quarterback Matt Flynn — Has been bothered by arm soreness through training camp, coach Dennis Allen told reporters Aug. 25. Flynn reportedly has elbow tendinitis. In starting Oakland's first three exhibition games this season, he has thrown one touchdown pass and two interceptions.
Watson, chosen by the Raiders during the second round of the 2013 draft, reportedly first injured the calf in July and opened camp on the non-football injury list. He was cleared to practice on Aug. 7 but lasted less than 30 minutes before re-injuring the calf. He was sidelined for two more weeks.
"It's been a long process," Watson told reporters Aug. 21. "It took longer than I thought but it was good to get out there and get a couple of reps. It's been good though. I've been able to get into the playbook, get my head around that. Confident in all that stuff now. Just have to put a couple of days together and keep building on that."
Offensive tackle Menelik Watson — Reportedly went through his first complete practice in training camp on Aug. 21 after missing virtually all of the previous four weeks because of a calf injury.
“It felt like a normal practice for me, and it’s good to feel normal again,” Hayden told reporters Aug. 19.
Hayden reportedly suffered a near-fatal heart injury after a practice collision with a teammate at the University Houston last November.
He was rushed into surgery for a tear of the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from the lower half of the body to the heart. Doctors had to cut through Hayden’s sternum to save him.
The Raiders selected Hayden 12th overall during the 2013 NFL draft, their first first-round pick since 2010. He played 22 games at Houston, intercepting six passes that he returned for three touchdowns. He also had three fumble recoveries and forced six before his senior season was cut short by the injury.
Cornerback DJ Hayden — Reportedly took part in his first contact practice since last November on Aug. 19. Hayden, Oakland's top selection in the 2013 draft, participated in rookie minicamp in May before reportedly needing surgery in the first week of OTAs (Organized Team Activity) to repair abdominal scarring. He missed the rest of the team's offseason program and was not cleared for contact until Aug. 16.
Contra Costa Times
“First day back, it felt good to get back out there,” Ford told reporters Aug. 19. “I kind of took my time this time coming back. (The hamstring) didn’t grab or anything so it definitely was a positive day for me.”
Wide receiver/kick returner Jacoby Ford — Reportedly returned to practice Aug. 19 for the first time in nearly two weeks after sustaining a strained hamstring. Ford missed a week of practice earlier in training camp, then made a brief return before being sidelined again on Aug. 7. He missed all of the 2012 season because of a foot injury.
Defensive tackle Vance Walker — Returned to practice Aug. 19 after being sidelined with an undisclosed injury.
Defensive tackle Pat Sims — Reportedly on the field for only a few drills midway through training camp before aggravating a hamstring injury.
Cornerback Tracy Porter — Reportedly sustained a groin injury duing the first half against New Orleans on Aug. 16 and is expected to be sidelined for a week.
“It’s a disappointment for all of us,” Allen told reporters. “But again, we’re going to play 16 games this year. The teams that are able to push through those things mentally, those are the teams that have success. Everybody has injuries. That’s one we’ll just have to deal with.”
ESPN.com and NFL.com reported that Veldheer has only a partially torn triceps and will undergo surgery Aug. 16 in Los Angeles.
Update:Veldheer reportedly underwent successful triceps surgery Aug. 16 and is expected to be sidelined three months.
On Aug. 14, Allen said Veldheer would be a candidate to be placed on injured reserve with a designation to return, which would require him to miss at least the first eight weeks. A torn triceps reportedly takes up to four months to heal.
Teams can only use that designation on one player in a season, and Allen said he would not know whether that option is available until Veldheer has surgery.
Veldheer has started 42 straight games for Oakland. A third-round pick out of Hillsdale College in 2010, he has emered as one of the league's top left tackles. The four-year veteran has been responsible for just four sacks in each of the past two seasons, according to STATS LLC.
“It’s a real big blow,” right tackle Khalif Barnes said. “Jared’s a big part of our line. He’s a big guy. He comes to work every day, you never hear him complaining, just tries to go in, get the job done, he just tries to perfect his craft every day at practice. He’s a good part of our team, a good leader for our team.”
Alex Barron, a former first-round choice by the St. Louis Rams who has not played a game in the NFL since 2010, is expected to replace Veldheer at left tackle. Barron was drafted 19th overall in 2005 but struggled for almost his entire five seasons in St. Louis. He started 74 games for the Rams and played both left and right tackle but was plagued by penalties and poor blocking. The former Florida State lineman also has spent time with Dallas and New Orleans.
Barron committed 43 false start penalties — including 13 in 2006 — and 13 holding penalties while allowing 33 sacks, according to game tracking from STATS LLC.
“I’m just happy to be out there,” Hayden said told reporters July 26. “If I got to have a red jersey on, that’s what it is. I’m cool with it. Happy.”
Hayden took part in Oakland's rookie minicamp in May before needing surgery in the first week of OTAs (Organized Team Activity to repair abdominal scarring. He missed the rest of the offseason activities.
The team said on May 29 that Hayden is home resting after the operation conducted last week. Hayden, Oakland's top selection in the 2013 NFL Draft in April, is not expected back on the field until training camp in late July.
On May 28, Raiders coach Dennis Allen told reporters that he did not know if the latest injury was related to the torn blood vessel that nearly killed Hayden last November after a practice collision with a teammate at the University of Houston.
“We can’t rule that out, obviously, but right now I don’t know exactly what the correlation is to it,” Allen said. “But we don’t anticipate it being an issue.”
Hayden reportedly was rushed into surgery last year for a tear of the inferior vena cava, the large vein that carries blood from the lower half of the body to the heart, after a practice collision. Doctors had to cut through Hayden’s sternum to save him.
The Raiders selected Hayden 12th overall during the 2013 NFL draft, their first first-round pick since 2010. Hayden played 22 games at Houston, intercepting six passes that he returned for three touchdowns. He also had three fumble recoveries and forced six before his senior season was cut short by the injury.
Left tackle Jared Veldheer — Will need surgery on his torn left triceps and will miss a significant portion of the regular season, Raiders coach Dennis Allen told reporters Aug. 14. Veldheer, considered the team's top offensive lineman, reportedly has been bothered by the triceps throughout training camp.
The Raiders reportedly can place Veldheer, right, on that list starting Sept. 3. He would be required to be sidelined for six weeks and then could practice for two more weeks before being eligible to be activated for the team’s eighth game on Nov. 3 against Philadelphia.
Offensive tackle Menelik Watson — The 2013 second-round draft from Florida State pick reportedly re-injures a calf muscle in his left leg during a training camp drill Aug. 7. Watson, the 42nd overall pick in this year's draft and projected backup to right tackle Khalif Barne, was practicing for the first time since injuring his calf in mid-July.
Cornerback DJ Hayden — Was back on the practice field on July 26 when the Raiders had their first practice of their 2013 training camp in Napa, Calif. Oakland's top draft pick and former University of Houston cornerback reportedly was wearing a red jersey, which is usually worn by quarterbacks and kickers who are not supposed to be hit as he works his way back from a near-fatal injury that cut his college career short and offseason surgery that kept him out of most minicamps and organized team activities.
Cornerback DJ Hayden — Reportedly has been released from a Bay Area hospital after undergoing surgery to remove scar tissue from his abdominal region.
