Programming note: For comprehensive Raiders coverage, tune into SportsNet Central tonight at 6 p.m., 10:30 and midnight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area
ALAMEDA -– Raiders cornerback Tarell Brown finally participated in a practice this week, albeit in a limited role. That came on Friday, the same day he was designated questionable with foot and ankle issues on the team’s official injury report.
There is a level of uncertainty surrounding Brown’s playing status, which may not be decided until just before Sunday’s road game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
On Friday, Brown got some decent work done.
[BAIR: Source: Rod Streater will not return for Raiders this season]
“I mean, it was a red-zone day today and a short yardage day today, and he was able to do whatever we needed him to do at that point,” Raiders interim head coach Tony Sparano said. “We didn’t ask him to do a whole lot, but he was able to do enough.”
Brown is the only cornerback to start every game this season. He’s been a stabilizing force in the secondary and has easily been the team’s best cornerback. Brown was able to make a quick return after falling awkwardly early in Sunday’s victory over the 49ers.
He’s the type of veteran who doesn’t need much practice to play. If he can’t go, DJ Hayden and TJ Carrie will start. Brandian Ross has stepped in to play an effective slot cornerback spot in the past, but that may prove impossible with Larry Asante ruled out and Jonathan Dowling on injured reserve. That would leave Chimdi Chekwa or Neiko Thorpe to step in as the No. 3 cornerback.
Other injury notes from Raiders practice:
-- Weakside linebacker Sio Moore is questionable with a hip injury. He missed Friday’s practice, but is expected to play on Sunday. Although that’s the case, the Raiders have just four linebackers on the 53-man roster after Jamar Cheney was released earlier this week.
Practice squad player Bojay Filimoeatu is the most likely candidate to fill that spot, though it remains uncertain. Filimoeatu struggled when activated earlier this season and asked to play significant snaps.
-- Right tackle Menelik Watson was ruled out of a second straight game with foot and ankle injuries. Khalif Barnes will remain in his starting spot.
-- On the Chiefs side, top-flight running back Jamaal Charles was listed as probable after missing time earlier in the week with knee and ankle injuries.
Raiders Status Report
Out
TE Brian Leonhardt (concussion), RT Menelik Watson (foot, ankle), S Larry Asante (shoulder, quadriceps), WR Denarius Moore (knee, ankle)
Doubtful
None
Questionable
CB Tarell Brown (foot), WLB Sio Moore (hip)
Probable
CB Chimdi Chekwa (shoulder), WR Andre Holmes (shoulder), CB Neiko Thorpe (hand)
49ers Status Report
Out
DE Allen Bailey (concussion)
Doubtful
CB Phillip Gaines (concussion)
Questionable OLB Tamba Hali (knee)
Probable
DB Abdullah Husain (foot), WR Donnie Avery (groin), RB Jamaal Charles (knee, ankle), TE Anthony Fasano (knee), WR Junior Hemingway (concussion), LB Michael James-Johnson (back, knee), ILB Joe Mays (knee), CB Chris Owens (knee), CB Sea Smith (groin)
