Raiders get little practice time for best-in-West clash with K.C.
The Raiders (10-2) just took over the No. 1 spot in the AFC playoff picture with Sunday’s 38-24 win over Buffalo, but that would be a fleeting memory if they lose to the Chiefs (9-3).
“Tough set of circumstances,” Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio said before Monday afternoon’s walkthrough practice.
The Raiders’ six-game winning streak started in Florida, where they had back-to-back games against Jacksonville and Tampa Bay and swept the trip.
After spending a week there, Oakland beat Super Bowl champ Denver on national television.
Mexico City and the high altitude was next — players still mutter about the long ramp up from the field — and after beating the Texans there, the Raiders handled Carolina after a short week and then the Bills.
Spencer Ware ran for 131 yards and a touchdown and Oakland native Marcus Peters grabbed one of Carr’s five interceptions this season.
Like the Raiders, the Chiefs have been clutch and/or lucky, with their four fourth-quarter comebacks just two shy of Oakland’s six.
Defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. returned to practice Monday for the first time since training camp, as the team designated him to return from injured reserve.
[...] rookie safety Karl Joseph missed practice with a toe injury and was wearing a walking boot, but Del Rio said “he still has a shot” to play Thursday.
Mack had the most Pro Bowl votes of any defensive player with 279,466, as initial results were released Monday.
Five other Raiders led their positions in the AFC: tackle Donald Penn, guard Kelechi Osemele, fullback Jamize Olawale, safety Reggie Nelson and punter Marquette King.