Giordano returns to practice, Heyward-Bey sidelined

Matt Giordano was out on Wednesday with a concussion he suffered in last Sunday's game against the Ravens. He was cleared to practice Thursday and returned to the field.

But while the Raiders got one starter back on defense, they lost another on offense.

Darrius Heyward-Bey didn't finish practice on Wednesday. He tweaked his hamstring and now that injury has him watching practice and his status for Sunday's game against the Saints is in question. It will depend a lot upon whether he practices on Friday as to whether he is able to give it a go on Sunday.

Tyvon Branch was still out with a neck injury he suffered in the game. His status is uncertain. If he can't go, he would be replaced by Mike Mitchell.

Still out were also DT Richard Seymour (knee, hamstring), RB Darren McFadden (ankle), and Mike Goodson (ankle). I don't expect any of these three to be active for Sunday's game.