ALAMEDA -- Raiders backup quarterback Terrelle Pryor was healthy enough to be active for Sunday’s game against Tennessee. He didn’t see a single snap against the Titans and was the only active player to remain on the sideline.
That was by design. Head coach Dennis Allen hoped to give Pryor's sprained right knee additional rest, but was confident throwing him in if the offense needed a spark.
“We had some plays designed for Terrelle, but I felt like if we could play (Sunday’s) game and still do well offensively without those packages, we’d be able to give him another week to heal up a little bit,” Allen said. “I think that was beneficial to him. We’ll see how that goes moving forward, if there’s a way we can get him into the game in certain packages.”
A Pryor package is installed and ready for use when needed, even with Matt McGloin playing well as starting quarterback. If the Raiders offense if going well with Rashad Jennings and Darren McFadden on the ground and McGloin through the air, Pryor could sit again Thursday against Dallas.
Pryor is the team’s best athlete, and it’s difficult to let such talent lay fallow. The Raiders planned to use him as an accent piece early this season, when Matt Flynn was projected to start.
Those plays were heavily featured when Pryor started eight games -- that includes the read option and rollout passes that use Pryor’s speed -- and worked well at times. They’re still available, especially with Pryor getting healthier by the day.
Allen isn’t one to give away a game plan, but improved health increases the likelihood Pryor could play some against Dallas.
“Rest is the best medicine with any injury,” Allen said. “The time off has done him some good.”
OF NOTE
Jenkins expected to play: Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (concussion) is in line to play Thursday against Dallas. He passed through most of the NFL’s concussion protocol without incident, and is expected to pass a final test before being cleared for contact.
Watson sent home: Raiders rookie left tackle Menelik Watson was told to go home on Tuesday with an illness. He missed practice and is expected to be a healthy scratch on Thursday due to the team’s health at tackle.
Moore likely out again: Receiver Denarius Moore (shoulder) missed a fifth straight practice and isn’t expected to play. That leaves Rod Streater as the Raiders’ only established receiving threat.
Raiders participation report
Did not practice: SS Tyvon Branch (ankle), WR Denarius Moore (shoulder), DE Jason Hunter (foot), OT Menelik Watson (illness).
Limited participation: DL Daniel Muir (knee), LB Kevin Burnett (quad), Kaluka Maiava (ribs), CB Mike Jenkins (concussion), RB Darren McFadden (hamstring), LB Sio Moore (shoulder), TE Mychal Rivera (concussion).
Injured reserve: CB D.J. Hayden (groin), WR Juron Criner (shoulder), TE David Ausberry (shoulder), RB Latavius Murray (ankle), K Eddie Carmona (leg), G Tony Bergstrom (foot);
Designated to return: LT Jared Veldheer (triceps) (21-day practice window began Nov. 13)
