ALAMEDA – Raiders safety Nate Allen has barely played this season. A balky knee has seen to that. The veteran had a productive preseason but tore an MCL in the regular-season opener and ended up on short-term injured reserve.
He missed eight games recovering from that ailment, and played just four games before going back on the shelf with another knee issue.
Head coach Jack Del Rio said Monday that Allen’s unlikely to return for the season finale against Kansas City.
“It doesn’t look like it’s a real strong likelihood,” Del Rio said. "We’ll see.”
That would make it four straight games out, a disappointment for a player counted on heavily to be a ball hawk in this defense.
That hasn’t been the case. Taylor Mays has seen significant time in Allen’s place. TJ Carrie has also floated between there and cornerback.
[RELATED: Del Rio: Reece doesn't feel PED suspension's 'really justified']
Still collecting info on Edwards Jr.: Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio didn’t have an update on rookie defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., who was placed on injured reserve with a significant neck injury.
Del Rio was asked if Edwards’ injury was long-term, and he wasn’t quite sure.
“You just want to collect information and know what it is and do what you need to do at that point,” Del Rio said. “I think we’re still in the process of collecting information.”
Still fired up: The Raiders have been out of the playoff race for a few weeks now, and are fresh off an emotion home win over San Diego and a three-day Christmas break. Despite the fact the Raiders could be looking towards the offseason, Del Rio expects motivation to be sky high.
“I feel good about them earning that break,” Del Rio said. “It’s the time of year when that kind of a break is rare. So no, we’ll make the most of the break, much like we did during the bye week. You take advantage of that opportunity, heal up a little bit and get some rest and kind of rejuvenate yourself and get ready for that next opportunity. It’s a great venue to go battle a divisional rival. I think we’re excited for that opportunity.”
