Raiders news: Andre James injury update; positive news about Michael Mayer

On By Littum

UPDATE:

Andre James (ankle) missed his second practice in as many days, leading to questions about who the Raiders’ starting center will be on Sunday against the Bengals. When James went down last week, rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson slipped over while Cody Whitehair filled in at left guard.

According to Athletics’ Vic Tafurthe Raiders will likely have Powers-Johnson at center again if James can’t go. However, Dylan Parham (foot) has been limited in practice after missing the last two games, so Las Vegas could put Parham and Jordan Meredith at the two guard spots.

Robert Spillane (knee) and Zamir White also sat out practice Thursday, while Jack Jones (knee), Jakobi Meyers (ankle) and Kolton Miller (elbow) were all upgraded from limited to full participation. Everyone else’s status remained the same as of Wednesday.

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The Las Vegas Raiders will be without starting center Andre James for practice Wednesday as they begin preparations for Sunday’s game at the Cincinnati Bengals (Kickoff is 10 a.m. PT).

James had to leave the Raiders’ Week 8 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with an ankle injury. Rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson moved from left guard to replace James, and veteran backup Cody Whitehair replaced Powers-Johnson.

The offensive line got some good news as right guard Dylan Parham returns to practice after missing the past two weeks of practice and the past two games with a foot injury. He was replaced in those two games by Jordan Meredith. He would be an option along with Whitehair at left guard if Powers-Johnson is to play center for James in Cincinnati.

UPDATE: In addition to James, linebacker Robert Spillane missed practice with a knee problem. He got beat up in the first quarter against Kansas City, but he finished the game.

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said star rookie tight end Brock Bowers had X-rays taken after Sunday’s game but is fine. Bowers may have fellow tight end Michael Mayer back soon.

Pierce said the second-year tight end is nearing his return from a personal issue that has kept him out of the past five games. 2023 second round election from Notre Dame was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list and will miss at least one more game. He has four catches for 21 yards in three games this season.

In other notes from Pierce’s Wednesday press briefing:

  • Pierce said offensive coordinator Luke Getsy remains the play-caller, but Pierce admitted Getsy must improve.
  • Pierce said running back Alexander Mattison will continue to start over Zamir White, who started the season as the starter.