Raiders inactives: Rivera, Watson out vs Falcons

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OAKLAND –- The Raiders offensive line was taken apart by injury and reconstructed in time for Sunday’s home opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

Right tackle Austin Howard is the only fill-in for a group that was missing three starters during Wednesday’s practice. Then absentee center Rodney Hudson (knee) and right guard Gabe Jackson (knee) practiced the rest of the week and are active for this game.

Menelik Watson is down with a groin injury and could be out a few weeks, though Howard is an extremely competent replacement. He was locked in a tight position battle to start this season, after manning the right tackle spot last season when Watson missed the entire year with a torn Achilles’ tendon.

It appears that tight end Mychal Rivera will be a regular healthy scratch, playing behind Lee Smith and Clive Walford and the Raiders going with five wide receivers. Johnny Holton is a quality special teams player and should be active most games.

The Raiders are going with four cornerbacks, declaring Antonio Hamilton and Dexter McDonald inactive. Quarterback Connor Cook and tackle Matt McCants are also inactive.

The Falcons will go without safety Keanu Neal, running back Terron Ward, defensive end Brooks Reed, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, guard Mike Person, guard Wes Schweitzer and tight end Joshua Perkins. Reed and Campbell were listed as starters.

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