ALAMEDA -– Veteran offensive tackle Khalif Barnes made five starts at left guard last season. He volunteered to move inside once Jared Veldheer recovered from triceps surgery and played well enough to stick.
He played there through the offseason and training camp before bouncing back outside.
[BAIR: Raiders-Broncos game has been sold out]
This week, he’s been asked to move back in. Gabe Jackson missed his second straight practice with a knee injury and it’s virtually certain he’ll miss Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Barnes will slide in and pick up for the young mauler against Denver’s tough defensive front.
“Khalif really hasn’t played inside this year, but he has played inside in the past,” interim head coach Tony Sparano said. “Khalif has kind of been a jack of all trades for me since I got here, so that doesn’t really bother me to have him at guard.”
Some other notes from Raiders practice:
-- Cornerback Carlos Rogers missed his fifth straight practice with a knee strain, and Sparano said his playing status was in jeopoardy. It’s highly unlikely that he’ll play against Denver.
-- TJ Carrie returned to practice, a sign that he’ll be able to suit up on Sunday.
-- Receiver Kenbrell Thompkins was excused from practice to attend to a family matter. He will be available against the Broncos.
Participation report
Did not practice: TE David Ausberry (foot), CB Carlos Rogers (knee), LG Gabe Jackson (knee), WR Kenbrell Thompkins (not injury related)
Limited participation: CB Chimdi Chekwa (hamstring), CB Keith McGill (groin), DE Justin Tuck (knee), FB Jamize Olawale (shoulder)
Injured reserve: TE Nick Kasa (knee), CB Taiwan Jones (foot), SS Tyvon Branch (foot), MLB Nick Roach (concussion), LB Kaluka Maiava (hamstring), DE LaMarr Woodley (biceps), S Usama Young (knee)
