Raiders-Texans injury report: Karl Joseph practicing, could start vs Texans

After missing the final four games of last season, rookie top pick Karl Joseph looks like he could be returning to the lineup this week. And with Nate Allen going through the concussion protocol, Joseph's return could be right back into the starting lineup.

This week, Joseph said he expects to play when the Raiders head to Houston to open the playoffs against the Texans, according to NFL media's James Palmer.

#Raiders S Karl Joseph told me he's playing this week. He's missed the last 4 games. Remember Nate Allen is in the concussion protocol.

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 3, 2017

He was playing well this season before going out with a toe injury in week 13. Even if Allen is able to go, it would be good to have Joseph available as an option in the secondary. But if Allen can't go, Joseph would be preferable to either Brynden Trawick or Keith McGill, both of whom saw time in the finale after Allen left the game.

"It’s always good to have healthy bodies in there and Karl is a high-round pick, impact player," said Ken Norton Jr. "So, he’ll certainly make a difference for us."

Donald Penn was also missing from practice today. He got banged up late last week against Denver, but returned for the final series. He is expected to start, but it remains to be seen how much he'll be affected by his knee injury.