Inactives: Raiders formally rule Hudson out vs Chiefs

OAKLAND – Raiders center Rodney Hudson practiced on Thursday, but his sprained right ankle didn’t rebound well enough to work the following day. Head coach Jack Del Rio wouldn’t acknowledge that as a true setback, though everyone knew it proved ominous to his playing status.

That’s why it was no surprise he was ruled inactive for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He certainly wanted to play the team that launched his career, one that didn’t chase as hard as the Raiders in free agency.

That won’t happen. Reserve Tony Bergstrom will make his third start in the last four games, the stretch Hudson has been dealing with ankle issues. Bergstrom has been a solid replacement, though he doesn’t make up for Hudson’s absence.

Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.

Running back Taiwan Jones couldn’t make it back from a knee injury, meaning Cal alum Jeremy Ross will return both punts and kickoffs.

Khalif Barnes is a healthy scratch for a second straight week, allowing Jon Feliciano to be Bergstrom’s backup center.

Neiko Thorpe was questionable with a knee injury, but he is active and should be the third cornerback.

Chiefs edge rusher Justin Houston was ruled out, which is a huge loss for the opposing defense. Kansas City is also missing its center Mitch Morse, with Zach Fulton filling in there. Receiver/return man De’Anthony Thomas is also out with injury.