OAKLAND – Rodney Hudson wasn’t formally ruled out on the Raiders’ official injury report, though his doubtful designation held but a sliver of hope he could play Sunday versus Minnesota despite missing the practice week.
Expectation was confirmed on Sunday morning, when Hudson was formally ruled inactive against the Vikings.
Tony Bergstrom will fill-in there, making his first start at center and his first start at any position since 2012. He play his first offensive snaps since then last week, after Hudson sprained an ankle late in a loss to Pittsburgh.
Hudson has been the leader up front, and his loss is a big blow against a Vikings defense with talent on the interior.
Bergstrom took most of the practice reps, and will have smart quarterback Derek Carr to help him make protection calls. The Vikings like to bring pressure up the middle, and will certainly challenge a player new to a strong pass-blocking offensive line.
Outside of Hudson and linebacker Neiron Ball (out with a knee injury), the Raiders are pretty healthy. They have safety Nate Allen back, which allows TJ Carrie to move back to cornerback.
The Vikings will have edge rusher Anthony Barr and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who were questionable to play. They won’t have Eric Kendricks at middle linebacker. He was ruled inactive after being considered doubtful for this game.
Raiders inactives
CB Dexter McDonald
RB Roy Helu Jr.
LB Neiron Ball
C Rodney Hudson
OL Matt McCants
WR Rod Streater
TE Gabe Holmes
Vikings inactives
QB Taylor Heincke
CB Josh Robinson
LB Eric Kendricks
C Nick Easton
DT Kendrick Ellis
OT Jeremiah Sirles
DE Justin Trattou
