ALAMEDA – Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin didn't last long in Sunday's loss to Denver. He injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder in the second quarter on an illegal hit from Broncos defensive end Jared Crick and didn't return.
He had an MRI on Monday morning, and head coach Jack Del Rio said trainers didn't tell him about any significant damage.
"I know he had an MRI, but usually if there's a problem, they come up and let me know," Del Rio said. "I think it's just sore. I think it was banged pretty good and just sore."
NFL Network reported Sunday night that McGloin's injury focuses on his trapezius muscle, which acts like a pinched nerve.
It's uncertain at this stage how many practice reps McGloin will be able to take. The Raiders would prefer McGloin's experience in the Raiders system and starting NFL games in Saturday's playoff showdown at Houston. Fourth-round rookie Connor Cook is the next option. He relieved McGloin Sunday and flashed good play and bad in his first NFL game.
"We'll see how the week goes," Del Rio said. "Between Connor and Matt, we'll see who we can get the most reps, who we feel the most comfortable going into the game."
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Del Rio made it clear health will be a major factor in choosing a starter. When he informs that player is another matter. It may not come early in the week, as they find a proper time to let McGloin heal or let Cook marinate on one huge start.
"There are two ways of looking at it, so I think obviously the weight of, ‘Oh my gosh, this is your first start and it's going to be a playoff game,' that's a big one to bite off," Del Rio said. "Whether that is the case or whether (Cook) comes in in a backup role, we'll see.
"We're going to work through the week the best we can, see what we have health-wise with our team and then make that determination."
Raiders banged up heading into playoffs: The Raiders aren't in great physical shape heading into Saturday's wild card round game against the Texans.
Safety Nate Allen is in the league's concussion protocol after going down in the first quarter on Sunday. His playing status is uncertain, though Del Rio said regular starter Karl Joseph is nearing a return. He was expected to make a playoff return, which would be welcome on this Raiders defense.
Defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. was supposed to increase his snap count in a second game back off injured reserve, but he was held back due to illness.
Left tackle Donald Penn suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter on Sunday, but returned late in the game and said on social media he would be fine. Left guard Kelechi Osemele missed one snap, but was seen with ice on a knee and an ankle. Both guys might miss some practice but should play.
Carr not expected to make Houston trip: Injured starting quarterback Derek Carr did not travel with the Raiders to Denver while recovering from ankle surgery. Del Rio said he isn't expected to make the Houston trip, either.
Raiders sign two to futures contracts: The Raiders signed linebackers Andy Mulumba and Dwayne Norman to reserve futures contracts. Those deals will kick in next offseason.
