Programming note: For comprehensive Raiders coverage from Alameda, watch SportsNet Central tonight at 6, 10:30 and midnight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.
ALAMEDA –- Chimdi Chekwa was a full participant in Thursday’s practice, an upgrade from his limited role the day before. The Raiders cornerback is working his way back into the mix after missing roughly four weeks after re-aggravating a knee strain.
He was out of the early preseason, but came back in joint practices against the Dallas Cowboys.
His return was short lived. He was back on the sideline after just one practice.
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While it remains uncertain whether he’ll be able to play on Sunday against the Houston Texans –- he must respond well to Thursday’s work –- and resume his role as No. 3 cornerback.
“We’ll see how Chimdi functions tomorrow in practice, but that’s where he was before the injury,” Raiders head coach Dennis Allen said. “We feel confident about putting him in a game.”
Rookie TJ Carrie played outside corner in the nickel package during the regular-season opener at the New York Jets. Carrie had a decent day, though he was burned on some passes that fell incomplete.
Chekwa was expected to fill in for 2013 first-round pick DJ Hayden who remains on the physically unable to perform list. If he’s healthy, he should quickly return to that role.
“He’s working into shape,” defensive coordinator Jason Tarver said. “He looks good in practice, so I like what he’s done for two days.”
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Some other injury notes from Raiders practice:
-- There is no real update on middle linebacker Nick Roach. He was again limited in practice, thought Allen said Wednesday that his activity has increased.
-- Offensive tackle Matt McCants was added to the participation report after missing practice with a knee injury.
-- Running back Maurice Jones-Drew was out again after having hand surgery. He is not expected to play Sunday versus Houston.
Participation report:
Did not practice: CB Taiwan Jones (foot), RB Maurice Jones-Drew (hand), OT Matt McCants (knee)
Limited participation: MLB Nick Roach (concussion), LB Kaluka Maiava (illness)
Full participation (upgraded status): CB Chimdi Chekwa (knee)
Physically unable to perform: DJ Hayden (foot)
Injured reserve: TE Nick Kasa (knee)
