Editor's note: The video above is of Allen following the Raiders' loss to the Vikings on Nov. 15.
ALAMEDA –- Raiders safety Nate Allen hasn’t played much this season. A torn MCL kept him out seven games early in the season, but the veteran came off short-term IR healthy and ready to compete.
Allen played four games after midseason before yet another knee injury put him back on the shelf. The Raiders kept him on the active roster, and a practice last week showed he still wasn’t ready to go. Allen hasn’t re-joined team activities since, and will miss a third-straight game on Thursday night against the San Diego Chargers.
With 10 games on the sidelines this season, Allen has provided little return on a four-year, $23 million deal signed this offseason, that included $7 million in the first year.
The Raiders will continue to use a mix of Taylor Mays and TJ Carrie in Allen’s slot, with Charles Woodson as the free safety.
The Raiders will be without Mario Edwards on Thursday and the season finale in Kansas City. He was placed on injured reserve with a significant neck injury.
[BAIR: Raiders 'hoping for the best' with Edwards Jr's neck]
Cornerback Neiko Thorpe is questionable after missing last week’s loss to Green Bay. Whether he plays or not, we could see more work for DJ Hayden, who has been decent as the team’s third cornerback.
Edge rusher Khalil Mack, as well as receivers Seth Roberts and Amari Cooper are probable to play. Denico Autry was back to work after missing Tuesday’s efforts due to a non-injury related matter.
Raiders injury report
Out: S Nate Allen (knee)
Questionable: CB Neiko Thorpe (neck)
Probable: S Charles Woodson (shoulder), WR Amari Cooper (foot), DE Khalil Mack (knee), WR Seth Roberts (abdomen)
Chargers injury report
Out: OT King Dunlap (ankle), LB Kyle Emanuel (concussion), NT Sean Lissemore (shoulder)
Questionable: TE Ladarius Green (ankle), WR Stevie Johnson (groin)
Probable: CB Steve Williams, OL Chris Hairston (abdomen)
