Editor's note: Stay logged on to CSNCalifornia.com as Scott Bair reports on the Week 1 matchup between the Raiders and Jets from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -– Raiders middle linebacker Nick Roach played every defensive snap last season. This year, he’ll be a game in without taking one.
As expected, Roach will not play Sunday’s game due to lingering effects of a concussion suffered over two weeks ago in a preseason contest at the Green Bay Packers.
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He was cleared to practice on Tuesday, but was extremely limited all week. The Raiders administered a final test to clear him to play on Saturday, but he did not pass that portion of the NFL’s concussion protocol.
That puts the Raiders in a real bind. They have just four healthy linebackers, with outside linebackers Khalil Mack and Sio Moore and reserves Kaluka Maiava and Miles Burris, who should split time in Roach’s stead.
There were no other surprises among the inactives. Receiver Brice Butler, tackle Matt McCants, quarterback Matt McGloin, cornerback Chimdi Chekwa, defensive end Shelby Harris and guard Tony Bergstrom won’t play against the Jets. Chekwa has a knee strain, but every other player is a healthy scratch.