Programming note: For comprehensive Raiders coverage from Alameda, watch SportsNet Central tonight at 6, 10:30 and midnight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area
ALAMEDA –- Raiders weakside linebacker Sio Moore has formally been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. Middle linebacker Nick Roach is questionable for a third straight week with lingering concussion-like symptoms.
Roach’s status remains uncertain, though he wasn’t active during certain portions of Friday practice open to the press.
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That leaves the linebacker corps woefully thin.
Miles Burris has been playing middle linebacker for Roach, but he should slide out in Moore’s stead. That would leave Kaluka Maiava in the middle if Roach can’t go.
While it’s a next-man up philosophy, the Raiders are running out of players to step up. The team intends to promote practice-sqaud player Bojay Filimoeatu for a second straight week, but he will be the only healthy backup on the roster.
Further weakening of a team strength has made life difficult on a defense trying to gain traction this season. Roach is trying to help wherever possible, especially in the meeting room.
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“You want to be there for your team in any way possible,” Roach said. “My main focus is on getting back as soon as I can, but I’ll do whatever I can in the meantime. I try to communicate with the guys whenever I can, anything to help them execute at a high level.”
Some other Raiders injury notes:
-- Running back Maurice Jones-Drew was limited in his second practice back from hand surgery, and was questionable on the injury report. Whether he’s active or not, expect Darren McFadden to see a heavy workload.
-- Cornerback Carlos Rogers was limited with a knee strain, but he could play on Sunday. Rookie cornerback TJ got some work in the nickel packages while Chimdi Chekwa was limited with a knee strain.
Raiders Status Report
Out
WLB Sio Moore (ankle)
Doubtful
None
Questionable
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (hand), MLB Nick Roach (concussion), OT Matt McCants (knee), CB Chimdi Chekwa (knee), CB Carlos Rogers (knee), WR Rod Streater (hip), DT Antonio Smith (back)
Probable
DE Justin Tuck (illness)
Patriots Status Report
Out
None
Doubtful
None
Questionable
DL Michael Buchanan (ankle), LB Jamie Collins (thigh), CB Alfonzo Dennard (shoulder), S Don Jones (hamstring), RB Shane Vereen (shoulder), OL Ryan Wendell (knee)
Probable
OL Dan Connolly (knee), WR Julian Edelman (back), TE Rob Gronkowski (knee), DT Siliga Sealver (hand)
