PLAYER NOTES
–G/C Jon Feliciano (ribs) was limited Wednesday.
–C Rodney Hudson (ankle) was limited Wednesday.
–G Gabe Jackson (pectoral) returned to full practice Wednesday.
–S Karl Joseph (groin) returned to full practice Wednesday.
–RB Doug Martin (hip) was limited Wednesday.
–LT Kolton Miller (knee/elbow) was limited Wednesday.
–G/T Kelechi Osemele (knee) was limited Wednesday.
–CB Daryl Worley (shoulder) was limited Wednesday.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: RT Brandon Parker. This third-round rookie out of North Carolina A&T made his first start in the initial battle between these teams this season. That was the week veteran tackle Donald Penn was put on injured reserve. Parker has had issues, but the Raiders believe he will grow into the job, hopefully while quarterback Derek Carr is still healthy.
GAME PLAN: The Raiders must use their offense wisely to play defense against quarterback Philip Rivers and his talented offensive machine. Most of the pressure is on quarterback Derek Carr, especially with running back Marshawn Lynch on injured reserve and his backup, Doug Martin, coming off a nasty hip injury.
So watch for Carr to dink and dunk the clock away to keep the ball from Rivers and his talented crew.
On defense, the Raiders must find a way to pressure Rivers because given too much time it is impossible to cover receivers Keenan Allen and it now appears Mike Williams, the team’s No. 1 pick in 2017, who is healthy and becoming a constant pest for defenses. As if that isn’t enough, running back Melvin Gordon is a load both as a runner and receiver.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
–Raiders CBs Gareon Conley and Rashaan Melvin vs. an array of talented Chargers WRs, including Keenan Allen (47 catches, 630 yards).
–Raiders pass blocking vs. Chargers S Derwin James, a first-round draft pick (No. 18 overall) out of Florida State who is particularly dangerous when he lines up in the box. He has 55 combined tackles, six passes defensed and 3.5 sacks.
–Raiders LBs vs. Chargers RB Melvin Gordon. The Raiders yielded 365 yards rushing in the last two games. Gordon can beat you by land (579 yards rushing, 7 TDs) or air (31 catches, 289 yards, 3 TDs).
