The Raiders waived safety Tevin McDonald on Thursday afternoon, creating an open roster spot for safety Nate Allen.
Allen is eligible to come off short-term injured reserve for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. said Allen is “absolutely” going to play, and should step in and start at free safety.
[BAIR: Allen's return strengthens Raiders secondary at two spots]
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.
McDonald has gone back and forth from the practice squad, playing in two games already this season due to injuries in the secondary.
The undrafted free agent is a developmental prospect who should be re-signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
The Raiders haven’t put Allen back on the 53-man roster yet. He has been on short-term IR since Week 2, a move required after he tore an MCL in the season opener.