The inactives for both the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Texans ahead of their Wild Card matchup.
The Oakland Raiders will be playing the Houston Texans in their first playoff game in 14 years, and they’ll have some key players missing, as well as a surprise inactive.
The inactive list includes Derek Carr, Nate Allen, Antonio Hamilton, Donald Penn, Vadal Alexander, Jihad Ward and Branden Jackson.
Yesterday, it was presumed that Donald Penn would be active and ready to go despite not practicing the entire week. That was not the case. Penn was shut down and listed as out for this game.
I did everything I could 2 play tomorrow I mean everything in tears right now haven't missed a game my entire career lost 4 words😡😡😡😤😤😤
— Donald Penn (@DPENN70) January 6, 2017
As it turns out, Penn actually has a small fracture in his knee.
Raiders LT Donald Penn said there's a small fracture in his knee, doesn't need surgery, believes he'll be back next week if OAK wins today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2017
Another surprise inactive was Jihad Ward. Although Ward has struggled in his rookie season, he has been a consistent starter since Week 1. Ward was officially listed as a healthy scratch, and not injury related.
Vadal Alexander was another surprise considering Donald Penn is out and the Raiders could use as much offensive line depth they can get.
In better new, Mario Edwards Jr. is listed as active and will be good to go, despite suffering an illness.
First inactive all year for Ward. Edwards a go despite illness https://t.co/C0EGzVwYAR
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) January 7, 2017
The Texans inactive list is headlined by Tom Savage, who recently took over as the starting quarterback. So it’s back to Brock Osweiler for Houston.
Today's @HoustonTexans inactives:
— Houston Texans PR (@TexansPR) January 7, 2017
3- QB Savage
22- CB Rice
51- ILB Simon
53- ILB Bullough
73- G Walker
82- WR Williams
97- DE Kamalu
There are no other notable inactives for the Texans.