Oakland Raiders vs. New York Jets: Both Teams Dealing with Long Injury Lists

Louis Murphy and Mike Mitchell had both been aiming for the Jets game for their return to the field. That target date is not looking good. Murphy and Mitchell both sat out Wednesday's practice. This in no way rules them out for Sunday's game, but the fact that they weren't ready to go in at least a limited capacity is a bad sign.

I am not nearly as concerned about Murphy getting back on the field as Mitchell. While it would be nice to have Murphy's experience and blocking ability against a tough Jets defense, the Raiders receivers looked fantastic without him last week.

Mitchell on the other hand is sorely needed in coverage. Last season Mitchell was solid as a hybrid LB/S in passing situations. He has the athleticism to man up tight ends, and the Raiders can use all the coverage help they can get.

Take the jump for more injury news on both the Raiders and Jets....

Chris Johnson, DVD and Jacoby Ford also were held out of practice. Johnson is battling the groin injury that slowed him last week. While CJ had a rough day against the Bills, the Raiders still need him. If he can't go, I have no idea what the starting corners will look like on Sunday. Especially considering DVD was out of practice.

Ford's absence from practice is not surprising. Hamstrings are an injury you can't rush. I'd be surprised if he played on Sunday.

Jerome Boyd (knee), DHB (knee), Jason Campbell (foot), Sebastian Janikowski (left foot) and Darren McFadden (shoulder) were all limited. I suspect they will all be ready to go on Sunday.  Although Boyd and DHB are dealing with knee issues and those are always tricky.

I have no idea what is up with SeaBass or what a limited practice for a kicker would look like. He is a left footed kicker, so it will definitely be worth keeping an eye on.

The best news of the day is that Kevin Boss was full go on Wednesday. And he couldn't have picked his return for a better time. His blocking skills and experience are going to be invaluable against the Jets crazy blitzing schemes. 

The Jets had three players miss practice on Tuesday. WR Logan Payne and G Robert Turner are both battling long term injuries and will miss the game. Neither are key players. Nick Mangold is. Mangold is a fabulous center and is dealing with a high ankle sprain. It's not official, but his chances of playing are about as high as zero.

DE Mike Devito (shoulder), LB David Harris (toe), WR Santonio Holmes (quad), S Jim Leonhard (hamstring), S Eric Smith (ankle) and DE Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder) were all limited.

This group of injuries is a definite concern for the Jets. While Rex Ryan said he expects all of these guys will be able to play, they may not be at 100 percent.

Leonhard and Smith are the Jets starting safeties. Both are battling leg injuries. The speedy Raiders are not a good team to face with safeties that have nagging leg injuries.

Devito and Wilkerson are the Jets starting DEs. David Harris is the Jets starting ILB. Holmes their go-to receiver.