Clan-Members » een bothering him and finally forced him to sit

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- With running back Latavius Murray nursing a toe injury that has prevented him from practicing, the Raiders will be relying on a pair of rookies to keep the ground game going against San Diego on Sunday.Fifth-round pick DeAndre Washington and undrafted Jalen Richard have been splitting reps with Oaklands first-team offense in practice this week and will continue to share time against the Chargers if Murray is unable to play.Murray -- who has played in 31 games over the past two seasons- watched Thursdays walkthrough and did not participate in the workout while trying to heal his sore toe.We hope that Tay can get back by Sunday, Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said. I know hes working extremely hard at it. Theyre working with his shoes and things like that to help him in that regard. Well just have to wait and see.If Murray is held out, Washington and Richard will have to fill the void after playing in reserve roles on offense and on special teams through the first month of the season.The two have a combined 40 carries between them, equaling Murrays total this year. While Murray leads the trio with 172 yards, Washington is not far behind with 147. Richard has rushed for 144 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown run on his first NFL carry that is the second-longest scoring run in the league this season.The backfield-by-committee has worked well so far for the Raiders. Oakland is fifth in the NFL in rushing and third in overall offense while averaging 126.8 yards on the ground.Washington, who is averaging six yards a carry, said there are differences between him and Richard but added that both have proven to be effective in their limited time on the field.Were both playmakers, we both do good things and have good strengths, Washington said. Its fun to watch him do his thing. Its kind of just like a tag-team deal. I get in, I do my thing. Just be ready when youre number is called.If there is a potential for a problem with Murray not playing, it could come in the passing game. Murray is recognized as Oaklands best blocking back in pass protection, though Musgrave was quick to point out that Washington and Richard have done well in that facet.Latavius is the smartest one weve got in terms of pass protection, Musgrave said. Hes in there with the O-line day in and day out working with coach (Mike) Tice. But these young guys have really fallen in step with him so we know we can trust them. That opens up a lot of great avenues for us.Richard has been splitting time on special teams, doubling on kickoff returns and punt returns. His 22.5-yard average on kickoff returns is tied for 10th in the NFL, though he has only four returns.If Murray is held out, the Raiders will be down to four healthy backs -- Washington, Richard, fullback Jamize Olawale and running back Taiwan Jones.Musgrave will likely use all four against San Diego although the emphasis will be on Washington and Richard.Theyve gotten some valuable experience, Musgrave said. I dont think were setting any limitations or putting them in any corner or any box right now.Game notes Rookie right tackle Vadal Alexander continues to work with the first-team offense and is likely to make his second straight start. Austin Howard (ankle) was limited for a second straight day while starter Menelik Watson (calf) was held out again. Tight end Clive Walford (knee) returned in limited fashion after sitting out Wednesday. Linebacker Malcolm Smith (groin) and safety Nate Allen (quad) also did not practice.---Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Matt Hunwick Sabres Jersey . Malkin got tangled up with Detroits Luke Glendening early in the third period and his left skate took the brunt of collision with the boards behind Pittsburghs net. Carter Hutton Jersey . The giant slalom world champion slipped during her first run in the morning, landing on her back and then twisting forward before getting her leg caught in the protective material on the side of the slope. http://www.sabresteamstoreonline.com/authentic-thomas-vanek-sabres-jersey/ . Marincin has played in two NHL games so far this season with two penalty minutes. The 21-year-old has three goals, four assists and a plus-5 rating in 24 games with the American Hockey Leagues Oklahoma City Barons this season. Alexander Mogilny Sabres Jersey . It just didnt show when he hit the ice. Berra made 42 saves and Kris Russell scored at 1:32 of overtime, lifting the Calgary Flames to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night. Pat Lafontaine Sabres Jersey . Boucher previously coached the Tampa Bay Lightning and had a 97-78-20 record over two-plus seasons. He was dismissed by the team last March after the Lightning struggled in the lockout-shortened season with a 13-18-1 record. The Oklahoma City Thunder hit what everyone thought was a soft spot in their schedule, but it hasnt worked out that way.The Thunder, who were a quarter away from reaching the NBA Finals last season, have lost three straight and seven of their last nine. They will try to get things turned around when they visit the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.Oklahoma City is still adjusting to the departure of Kevin Durant, who signed with Golden State in the offseason. The growing pains are apparent but the Thunder still have one of the best guards in Russell Westbrook.It maybe it sounds like a little bit of a broken record, but its kind of where were at, Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan told normantranscript.com. And were working towards getting better and improving.The Thunder (8-8) started the season strong but after losing on consecutive nights to the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings, they are now tied with Utah for first place. Denver (6-9), despite its injury problems and shuffling lineups to try and find consistency, isnt far off the pace.The Nuggets lost to the Jazz 108-83 on Wednesday night, ending their modest two-game winning streak. It was their third game in four nights.Tonight we didnt answer the bell, which is disappointing, Denver coach Michael Malone told The Denver Post. But well get back at it, look at what we have to clean up and try to come out on Friday night against Oklahoma City with a greater sense of energy and urgency to start the game.The Nuggets were without small forward Danilo Gallinari for the game in Utah because of a right thigh injury, and his status for Fridays game is unknown. Gallinari is Denvers second-leadding scorer and has a penchant for getting to the line, but the thigh has been bothering him and finally forced him to sit.ddddddddddddIt hurts stretching it. It hurts when I tighten the muscle. It started giving me discomfort even when I walk, Gallinari told The Denver Post. Im sure that maybe the worst thing is its a strain. Thats the worst-case scenario. The best-case scenario is just a bruise that is not behaving right. Usually with a bruise you get better by playing because you get the blood flowing. But this is not getting better, its getting worse.Malone started 19-year-old rookie Juancho Hernangomez in place of Gallinari on Wednesday and he scored nine points in 27 minutes. His fellow rookie, Jamal Murray, had another strong game with 23 points in 35 minutes off the bench.Murray is averaging 21.7 points in his last three games, giving Denver a boost off the bench.He is playing with ease, Malone said Tuesday night. Hes shooting into a hula hoop right now. Hes feeling very confident and the guys are finding him.Murray will have his hands full if he faces up against Westbrook. Despite the Thunders struggles, Westbrook is playing at a high level. He is averaging a double-double with an NBA-best 31.8 points a game as well as 10.6 assists. His 9.6 rebounds per game nearly has him averaging nearly a triple-double.The gaudy stats arent helping the Thunder win lately, but he is a force and will set the tone against the Nuggets.Just got to be ready to play, man, he told normantranscript.com. Very plain and simple. ' ' '