Cooper making progress
Amari Cooper returned to practice Friday with the Raiders, who could have the receiver active for Sunday’s critical division game against the Chiefs.
Though Cooper is listed as questionable for the game at Kansas City, he practiced Friday for the first time since he suffered a concussion and ankle injury on the same play Nov. 26 in a win over the Broncos.
Cooper cleared league concussion protocol this week, and head coach Jack Del Rio said Cooper showed improvement with the ankle over several days.
“Coop was pretty gradual throughout the week, getting better every day,” Del Rio said Friday. “Did some running on the side earlier in the week. Moved around pretty good today. So we’ll see. He’s questionable and we’ll see.”
In the Raiders’ 31-30 win over the Chiefs in Week 7, Cooper had a career day with 11 catches for 210 yards and two touchdowns. He sat out the Raiders’ win over the Giants last weekend along with Michael Crabtree, who returns this week from a onegame suspension.
The Raiders and Chiefs both enter Sunday’s game at 6-6 and in a tie for first place in the AFC West with the Chargers.
Cooper declined to speak with reporters at his locker Friday but appeared to be packing for the trip to Kansas City. The Raiders flew out Friday. Del Rio declined to state when the team would make a decision on Cooper’s availability for the game.
“First the doctors have to clear him,” Del Rio said. “If the player really wants to go and he’s moving around well enough, then I typically let him go. So we’ll see how it looks.” Backup plan: The Raiders ruled guard Jon Feliciano (concussion) out for Sunday, meaning they’ll be without one of their most versatile offensive linemen against the Chiefs.
Feliciano does not start but is listed as the team’s primary backup at center and right guard. Del Rio said the Raiders do have a plan in place in case they need to replace center Rodney Hudson.
“Hopefully we’re not counting on having to do that,” Del Rio said. “But we’re ready to adjust if we need to.”
The Raiders have James Stone, a third-year center who played in 19 games from 201415 with the Falcons, on their practice squad. They could promote Stone but would have to clear a spot on the active roster. They also have cornerback Antonio Hamilton eligible to return from injured reserve. Injury report: Feliciano is the only Raiders player ruled out for Sunday. Linebacker Cory James (knee) is doubtful after being inactive last Sunday. Defensive lineman Jihad Ward (foot) is also doubtful.
Cornerback David Amerson (foot), defensive lineman Denico Autry (hand), fullback Jamize Olawale (ankle) and receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (hip) are questionable.