HOUSTON -- The easiest thing to do is to acknowledge the rising star power featured by the Oakland Raiders and acknowledge its role in landing atop the AFC West.There is no denying that quarterback Derek Carr, receiver Amari Cooper, and defensive end Khalil Mack are integral to the Raiders foundation. Oakland (7-2) emerges from its bye week on a three-game winning streak set to face the AFC South-leading Houston Texans (6-3) on Monday night in Mexico Citys Estadio Azteca.The Raiders recent collection of early-round draft picks have emerged ahead of schedule and have matched expectations relative to their individual talents. But the Raiders have become the talk of the NFL thanks in no small measure to their depth, and a number of their rotation players were serendipitous discoveries.The Raiders feature 19 undrafted players on their current roster and those players have combined to start 29 games this season.Behind Carr, Cooper (58 receptions for 843 yards and two touchdowns) and receiver Michael Crabtree (49 receptions for 596 yards and six touchdowns), Oakland ranks sixth in the NFL in passing offense at 278.3 yards per game. The Raiders are even better in pass protection, pacing the league with Carr operating behind an offense line showcasing undrafted tackles Donald Penn and Austin Howard.While Penn has started all nine games this season, Howard has made five starts at right tackle. Toss in undrafted rookie guard Denver Kirkland, who has made four starts as an extra lineman, and the Raiders have parlayed line stability into success.The number of (undrafted players) that made our team jumps out, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said. For us, its been a process. Its not like all of a sudden we look up and were shocked by it because weve been working with these guys and developing these guys and theyve been giving great energy and effort every day.What is vital to the Raiders is maintaining the momentum theyve cultivated winning six of seven games. Their success has generated conversation throughout the league, and how the Raiders handle their lofty status atop the division will be revealed in how they perform against the Texans after their scheduled break.Weve just got to get back in the swing of things and keep our same focus, Raiders defensive tackle Dan Williams said. Right now, were in good position to achieve our first goal, which is to win the West. I think everybody has the same focus. Weve definitely matured from a year ago and I think were going to get back where we left off.Penn said, Things are coming together. I cant wait to see where its going to go.The Texans removed one monkey from their collective backs by winning on the road for the first time this season, outlasting the Jaguars in Jacksonville on Sunday.What should galvanize the Texans was the performance of their rushing offense against the Jaguars.Before the break, Houston posted just 105 rushing yards against Detroit, its third-lowest total this season. The Texans rebounded for a season-best 181 rushing yards in Jacksonville to offset another subpar effort from quarterback Brock Osweiler and provide hope for an uneven offense moving forward.I think its good, Texans coach Bill OBrien said of the running game. I think theres always things we can improve, but we ran for 180 last game and ran it pretty good against Detroit, so I think its been good.But every weeks different. This is a very, very stout defense. Theyve got big guys inside, good guys on the edge and fast, athletic guys on the inside at linebacker, so its going to be a different challenge.Mack has been a terror in the past four weeks, producing 18 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. In a 15-12 Raiders win over the Denver Broncos last season, Mack sacked Osweiler five times.Taking that exceptional individual performance into account, Osweiler and the Texans will have a keen eye on Mack.Its very important, Osweiler said. You know, any time you play against a player like Khalil Mack, you need to respect what he brings to the table and you need to have answers for what he brings to the table.Were very fortunate to have a phenomenal offensive coaching staff here, led by (offensive coordinator George) Godsey and Coach OBrien. Im sure theyll have answers for him. But without a question, we are well aware of what Khalil Macks capable of doing -- obviously I experienced it firsthand last year -- and we will have answers for him. Scarpe Zoom Scontate . Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek defeated Nenad Zimonjic and Ilija Bozoljac 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (4) on the indoor hard-court at Belgrade Arena. The victory improved the Czech pairs impressive cup doubles record to 14-1. Nike Zoom Scontate . -- Jacksonville wide receiver Cecil Shorts will likely be a game-time decision whether hell play Sunday in the Jaguars home game against the San Diego Chargers. http://www.nikezoomscontate.it/ . -- The goal posts lying flat on the field, Arizonas fans lingered on the field, congregating around the locker room entrance nearly 30 minutes after rushing out of the stands. Nike Zoom Scontate Italia . Lack made 20 saves for his third shutout of the season as the Canucks blanked the St. Louis Blues 1-0 in the first post-Olympic game for both teams night. Nike Zoom Outlet Italia . Philadelphia is 2-0 against the Senators this season and scored five goals in each victory. The Flyers recorded a 5-0 win in Ottawa on Nov. 12 and then earned a 5-2 home decision on Nov. 19. The Flyers have claimed three straight and four of the last five encounters with the Sens overall and Philly has won two in a row and three of its past four tests in Canadas capital city. NFL Nation reporters assess the biggest injuries across the league for Week 5.AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC West NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC WestAFC EASTBuffalo BillsCornerback Stephon Gilmore walked off the practice field early in Wednesdays session to have trainers look at his right ankle. Reporters time at practice ended shortly thereafter, so its unclear if he returned, but Gilmore was listed as limited on the injury report. As the Bills top cornerback, his status bears watching entering Sundays game at Los Angeles. -- Mike RodakMiami DolphinsThe Dolphins will continue to monitor running back?Arian Foster (hamstring/groin), who returned to practice in a limited capacity Wednesday after missing his second straight game. Foster hasnt played since he suffered a groin injury against the?Patriots in Week 2. Coach Adam Gase said the team isnt?rushing Foster. As far as Arian goes, we had him out there today, he said. He was running around quite a bit. I know hes itching to get back. We just want to make sure were smart. -- ESPN.com staffNew England PatriotsTight end Rob Gronkowski (hamstring) will play against the Browns. He portrayed optimism that he might be ready to go full-throttle by saying, Hopefully now its go time. He has been eased into the mix, playing 14 snaps in his return Sept. 22 and upping the workload to 39 snaps Oct. 2. Meanwhile, defensive end?Rob Ninkovich returned from serving a four-game suspension this week, and a source said hes almost fully recovered from a torn triceps muscle, which means he could potentially be available Sunday in Cleveland. -- Mike ReissNew York JetsCornerback Darrelle Revis (hamstring) didnt practice Wednesday and remains uncertain for Sunday against the Steelers. Talk about bad timing; the Jets would have to cover Antonio Brown without their best corner. Marcus Williams would replace Revis in the base. When they go to nickel, itll probably be Williams and rookie Juston Burris on the outside, with Buster Skrine sliding into the slot. Darryl Roberts, who has yet to dress for a game, will be active as the No. 4 corner if Revis doesnt play. -- Rich CiminiAFC NORTHBaltimore RavensLeft tackle Ronnie Stanley (foot) didnt practice Wednesday after missing his first career game, but theres optimism that he can play against the Redskins on Sunday. Theres more uncertainty with returner Devin Hester (thigh), who was sidelined Wednesday. The Ravens would likely go with Lardarius Webb at punt returner and rookie Chris Moore at kickoff returner. Hester has struggled this season, including muffing a punt two weeks ago and fumbling on Sunday. -- Jamison HensleyCincinnati BengalsTight end Tyler Eifert suffered a setback and now looks to be out against the Cowboys on Sunday. Thats a big blow for the Bengals offense, which has been struggling in the red zone and really could use Eifert in that area. It initially looked like Eifert could return this week, but he injured his back in addition to his ankle this week, which has pushed his return back. -- Katherine TerrellCleveland BrownsIt has been this kind of season for the Browns: Austin Reiter was the third center the team has used. He started against Washington after being signed off the Redskins practice squad Sept. 18. Reiter had an excellent game in Washington, but he tore his ACL on a freak play late in the loss. Instead of having a combination the Browns could build on, Reiter is done for the season. John Greco moves back to center, with Alvin Bailey starting at right guard. -- Pat McManamonPittsburgh SteelersLinebacker Ryan Shaziers knee injury continues to be a concern, considering the caliber of the player. Shazier is on track to become one of the games best inside linebackers, if he isnt already, but he?has battled minor injuries throughout his first three seasons, and he wants to be known more for his play than his ailments. The team has faith in Vince Williams, who filled in swiftly last week, with 16 tackles and a sack. Still, the Steelers game plan is at its best when Shazier is making the pre-snap calls and flying around in zone coverage. -- Jeremy FowlerAFC SOUTHHouston TexansTexans left tackle Duane Brown said he will play Sunday against the Vikings, barring any setbacks. Brown returned to practice last week for the first time since he tore his quadriceps tendon in the 2015 season finale. Although the offensive line allowed just one sack against the Titans, it was Browns replacement,?Chris Clark, who was beaten by Brian Orakpo on the play. The three-time Pro Bowlers return would give a big boost to the Texans in a tough road matchup with one of the NFLs top defenses. -- Sarah BarshopIndianapolis ColtsLinebacker Erik Walden showed up on the teams injury report with a chest injury Wednesday. He has four of the Colts seven sacks this season. Not having Walden available is the last thing the Colts need, considering?the problems theyre currently enduring at linebacker. They released starting inside linebacker Sio Moore on Tuesday. The other starting inside linebacker, DQwell Jackson, has started the season slowly, with only 21 tackles in the first four games. Pass-rush specialist Robert Mathis has yet to record a sack this season. -- Mike WellsJacksonville JaguarsThe bye week?comes at a?good time because the Jaguars have two key players who?need the extra week. Defensive end?Jared Odrick (triceps) and tight end?Julius Thomas (elbow) might not have been able to play this week but are scheduled to return Oct. 9 at Chicago. Odrick is a key player in the Jaguars run defense, and Thomas presents a matchup problem for defenses, especially in the red zone. The Jaguars are still trying to figure out how to replace left guard?Luke Joeckel (knee) and will choose among?Chris Reed, Tyler Shatley?and Patrick Omameh, who stepped in for Joeckel after he was injured Sunday against Indy. Omameh is the most experienced, with 25 starts at guard with Tampa Bay and Chicago. -- Mike DiRoccoTennessee TitansRookie right tackle Jack Conklin was a limited participant in practice Wednesday because of a shoulder injury. Its unclear at this stage how serious it is, but that he was able to do some work on the first day of preparations for the Dolphins was a good sign. Conklin has been very solid. The teams top backup tackle is Dennis Kelly, who was acquired during training camp from the Eagles in exchange for receiver Dorial Green-Beckham. -- Paul KuharskyAFC WESTDenver BroncosQuarterback Trevor Siemian, who left Sundays win over the Buccaneers just before halftime with a left (non-throwing) shoulder injury, did not practice Wednesday. Siemian took part in the teams walkthrough but did not throw in the main practice. Siemian will be reevaluated Thursday morning, but he said Wednesday that he hopes to practice and is still expected to start Sunday against the Falcons. The Broncos want to make sure Siemian can protect himself if he has to and make certain he can rotate his upper body to throw properly. There is also the matter of if he got hit directly on the shoulder again. Nonetheless, Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said Siemian had made progress and the plan was for Siemian to play against the Falcons. -- Jeff LegwoldKansas City ChiefsThe Chiefs need cornerback Phillip Gaines back in their starting lineup after the bye week. Gaines didnt play in Sunday nights loss to the Steelers because of a sore knee. The Chiefs lack of depth at cornerback was exposed without him. Rookie D.J. White got his first extended playing time as the third cornerback, and he had a rough game. -- Adam TeicherOakland RaidersThe Raiders have only one healthy tight end who has caught an NFL pass,?Mychal Rivera.?Lee Smith was placed on injured reserve, and Clive Walford missed practice with a banged up right leg. Their linebacker corps is also beat up, with Malcolm Smith nursing a groin injury, so the Raiders signed veteran Perry Riley on Tuesday. Right tackles?Austin Howard?and?Matt McCants?practiced Wednesday after both were inactive -- along with?Menelik Watson?-- on Sunday in Baltimore. Injury questions? Yeah, the Raiders have more than a few to sift through before the Chargers arrive for the Raiders second home game of the season. -- Paul GutierrezSan Diego ChargersSan Diegos top cornerback,?Jason Verrett, suffered a torn ACL in his left knee that will sideline him for the rest of the season. That put a dent in an already depleted secondary. Brandon Flowers,?San Diegos other starting cornerback,?could miss his second game in a row because of concussion issues, and strong safety Jahleel Addae is at least a couple weeks from playing due to a broken clavicle suffered in Week 2 against Jacksonville. -- Eric D. WilliamsNFC EASTDallas CowboysTyron Smith has missed the past two games because of back spasms due to a bulging disc, but the Cowboys left tackle returned to practice on a limited basis for the first time since Sept. 23. Smiths return would be a boost to the offensive line, in part because he is one of the best tackles in the NFL and also because his backup is hurt. Chaz Green has a sprained right foot and did not practice. Nor did wide receiver?Dez Bryant because of the tibial plateau fracture in his right foot. However, the Cowboys wonnt rule him out for Sunday just yet.dddddddddddd -- Todd ArcherNew York GiantsThe Giants could be severely shorthanded in the secondary again Sunday night. It was one thing to be without safeties Nat Berhe and Darian Thompson and cornerbacks Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Eli Apple?against the Vikings. But its another against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Rodgers-Cromartie (hamstring) was the only one of the four to practice Wednesday, and he was limited. The Giants need Rodgers-Cromartie and/or Apple back for Sunday night. -- Jordan RaananPhiladelphia EaglesEagles coach Doug Pederson started his Wednesday news conference with this: I want to update you on injuries: We dont have any. So thats a great thing going into this football game [against Detroit]. Tight end Zach Ertz (rib displacement) and cornerback?Leodis McKelvin (hamstring) are expected to be back following a two-game absence. Running back Ryan Mathews ankle is still a bit sore, Pederson said, but he is practicing in full. -- Tim McManusWashington RedskinsThe Redskins have a handful of notable injuries. Corner Bashaud Breeland (ankle) did not practice, but he did work on a side field. Linebacker Sua Cravens remains in the concussion protocol. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, who strained his left elbow Sunday, was limited in practice, as was left guard Shawn Lauvao, who missed last week because of an ankle injury. Both are considered day-to-day. -- John KeimNFC NORTHChicago BearsQuarterback Jay Cutlers thumb injury continues to linger as the Bears top health-related question. Brian Hoyer is expected to start again Sunday, but the Bears will be forced to make a decision when Cutlers right thumb sprain heals. In another development, veteran receiver Eddie Royal missed practice Wednesday because of a calf injury. Keep an eye on Royals availability, as fellow wideout Kevin White just went on injured reserve. The Bears are already thin at the position. Chicago cannot afford to lose Royal, who is playing well on both offense and special teams. -- Jeff DickersonDetroit LionsOh man, the Lions have a lot of injury questions. Eric Ebron (ankle/knee) is likely to be out this week,?and that leaves Detroits tight end group with a lot of questions. Then theres the NFLs second-leading wide receiver, Marvin Jones, who missed practice with a foot injury Wednesday. Hes going to be one to monitor throughout the week. Defensive end?Ezekiel Ansah (ankle) continues to miss practice, as does?DeAndre Levy, who had a knee injury added to the report Wednesday to go with his quad injury. Considering he hasnt practiced since after the Lions season-opener, thats a big concern. -- Michael RothsteinGreen Bay PackersThe bye week helped heal most of the Packers injury issues. Clay Matthews (ankle, hamstring), Morgan Burnett (groin), Datone Jones (knee) and Letroy Guion (knee) all appear on track to play Sunday against the Giants. The only two injury issues at this point are to cornerback Sam Shields (concussion) and Jared Cook (ankle). Neither is expected to play this week. -- Rob DemovskyMinnesota VikingsTight end Kyle Rudolph rejoined his teammates at practice Wednesday, after his wife, Jordan, gave birth to twin girls. After running a few routes in individual drills without a helmet, Rudolph went inside for the rest of the teams practice and was listed as a nonparticipant because of clavicle and rib injuries. The Vikings signed tight end Brian Leonhardt to their practice squad on Wednesday and have only one healthy tight end (MyCole Pruitt) on their active roster at the moment. Given the fact that Rudolph has caught touchdown passes in three consecutive games and that Stefon Diggs is dealing with a groin injury, the Vikings will hope they can get Rudolph back before Sundays game against the leagues top-ranked pass defense. -- Ben GoesslingNFC SOUTHAtlanta FalconsThe biggest injury concern for the Falcons is starting middle linebacker Deion Jones, who didnt practice Wednesday as a result of a right ankle injury. Falcons coach Dan Quinn expressed a positive outlook for the rookie but said?LaRoy Reynolds would step in as the starter?if Jones is unable to go against Denver on Sunday. The guy Jones beat for the starting job, Paul Worrilow, is not expected back for a couple more weeks while recovering from groin surgery. Reynolds has to be ready. Newly signed A.J. Hawk is capable of playing the middle, but he was signed for a reserve role and needs to get up to speed. The Falcons would miss Jones speed and tackling if hes unable to play. -- Vaughn McClureCarolina PanthersThe Panthers could be without quarterback Cam Newton for Monday nights game against the Bucs. Newton is still in the concussion protocol and didnt practice Wednesday. It was the first time he had missed a practice since the week of Dec. 9, 2014, when he suffered a broken bone in his lower back in an automobile crash. Derek Anderson, who normally runs the scout team, took most of the first-team snaps Wednesday. -- ESPN.com staffNew Orleans SaintsThe early bye week works great for the Saints this season, considering theyve had so many key players out of the lineup, including two of their five?most valuable players, left tackle?Terron Armstead and cornerback?Delvin Breaux. Breaux was originally supposed to miss six weeks after he broke his fibula in Week 1, but he said he hopes to beat that timetable, so it will be interesting to see if hes back on the practice field next week. Armstead has missed the past two games because of an unspecified knee injury. We should find out soon if its one of those three-to-four-week type of injuries, which would be huge for the Saints. Among others getting healthier, outside linebacker?Dannell Ellerbe, who had been dealing with a quad issue,?should be ready to make his 2016 debut in Week 6. -- Mike TriplettTampa Bay BuccaneersThe Bucs have a boatload of injuries:?Gerald McCoy (calf), Noah Spence (shoulder) and?Brandon Myers (hip) all went down against the Broncos, and all missed?Tuesdays practice. It looks like theres a good chance McCoy will miss?Mondays game against Carolina. Also missing was Charles Sims, Doug Martins replacement, due to an undisclosed injury. Martin (hamstring), Robert Ayers (ankle), Luke Stocker (ankle) and Cecil Shorts III (hamstring) have all been out since Week 3. The area impacted most for Monday nights game against the Panthers is the Bucs pass rush, which hurts this team significantly, given the way the secondary has given up so many explosive plays. -- Jenna LaineNFC WESTArizona CardinalsNow that quarterback Carson Palmer has been ruled out of Thursdays game against San Francisco, the focus turns to two defensive linemen: Josh Mauro and Frostee Rucker. Mauro suffered a pec injury in Sundays loss to the Rams, but he powered through the pain in the second half. Rucker has been out since Week 1. Both are questionable, but their status for the 49ers game will be determined during warm-ups. -- Josh WeinfussLos Angeles RamsWill Hayes?is?the Rams biggest injury concern this week. The veteran defensive end returned prematurely from an ankle injury to help a shorthanded unit in Week 3 and was thus unable to play in Week 4. Hayes status for a Week 5 matchup against the Bills has yet to be determined, but the Rams at least have depth here. If Hayes is out, look for Eugene Sims, Ethan Westbrooks and Matt Longacre to once again see an increase in snaps. Rookie receivers Pharoh Cooper and Nelson Spruce have fully recovered from their injuries; the question is whether coach Jeff Fisher deems them fit to contribute in games. -- Alden GonzalezSan Francisco 49ersThe 49ers have plenty of injury questions with a short turnaround for Thursdays game against Arizona, including the tall task of replacing linebacker NaVorro Bowman, who is out for the season with an Achilles injury. Short-term, they also have to worry about the status of first-round pick DeForest Buckner. The rookie defensive tackle has played the most snaps of any of San Franciscos defensive lineman but suffered a left foot injury against Dallas last week. He hasnt been able to practice this week. Although defensive coordinator Jim ONeil expressed optimism that Buckner will be available against the Cardinals, thats far from certain. That isnt good for a struggling run defense that figures to need all hands on deck against running back David Johnson. -- Nick WagonerSeattle SeahawksThe Seahawks?bye arrives at a great time, and coach Pete Carroll said he expects quarterback?Russell Wilson and wide receiver Tyler Lockett to be healthy when the team returns before a Week 6 matchup against the Falcons. Wilson suffered a right high ankle sprain in Week 1 and a sprained MCL in his left knee in Week 3. Lockett has not played his usual number of snaps since Week 1 because of a knee injury. Carroll said that running back C.J. Prosise (hand) should be at full strength by Week 6 or 7.?Thomas Rawls (fibula) should be back between Weeks 7 and 9. The Seahawks offense looked good in Weeks 3 and 4 and should be in good shape to continue to trend upward after the bye. -- Sheil Kapadia Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '