ALAMEDA -- The Raiders didn't have Trent Brown available Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. A calf strain took care of that.
Coach Jon Gruden hopes that was a one-game absence.
He admitted looking at a glass half full, but he believes the Raiders' star right tackle has a real shot to play Sunday against the Houston Texans.
"I think this week he has a better than 50/50 chance," Gruden said. "That's me being optimistic, but right now I'd say it's questionable at best."
Gruden praised David Sharpe's effort while playing in Brown's spot. Sharpe allowed four total pressures and was called for holding twice on drives where the Raiders still scored touchdowns.
The Raiders brought Brown to Green Bay after formally designating him doubtful, just in case the improbable happened and he was able to go.
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"I didn't think there was really a good chance that he could play, but I thought he could be my bodyguard if he didn't," Gruden said. "I like Trent, I like having him around. I just like being around the guy. I like him being around our team. But there was a chance, so we had to take him."
The Raiders didn't bring receiver Tyrell Williams on the trip. He was ruled out Sunday with plantar fasciitis.
"He ran today, showing some progress," Gruden said. "All I can say is we're crossing our fingers. We really are."
The Raiders need Williams back to help the receiver corps. Zay Jones was inactive Sunday -- he simply not ready to absorb a heavy workload in an offense he joined two weeks prior -- and getting him involved and Williams back would help the offense significantly.
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Defensive end Arden Key also is on the mend and, like Williams, could be ready to play the Texans.
"All I can say is they're questionable now," Gruden said. "We're optimistic that they'll be ready to go for Houston."
