The injury report for the Oakland Raiders heading into the all important game against the San Diego Chargers may be the shortest list we’ve seen all year. That’s especially good news for the Silver and Black who have their postseason on the line with this final game of the regular season.

Jacoby Ford, Oakland Raiders
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There are just three players who are definitely out, and that’s quarterback Jason Campbell, who wasn’t really expected to return after suffering a broken collar bone in week six, running back Darren McFadden, whose chances were already slim to none, and defensive tackle, Big John, John Henderson, out with a knee injury.

The players who are listed as questionable, are likely to see at least some time on the field, and receiver Jacoby Ford and safety Michael Huff have already been pretty adamant about getting in the game.

Ford commented, “It was definitely a positive week for me so I feel good going into the game. If I practiced this much this week and I’m not out there, I’d be mad.”

He could become a big factor in a victory for the Raiders. Ford and Palmer displayed a great rhythm together. In Palmer’s second outing with the team as they faced the Denver Broncos in Oakland, Ford made an incredible catch in the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown. Just days later in San Diego, he somehow grabbed a 41-yarder, making it look easy.

Huff is the player who saved the game for the Raiders against the Texans when he interception Houston’s Matt Schaub in the end zone. A healthy Huff will bring much needed improvement to Oakland’s defense.

Running back Taiwan Jones is a little more questionable. He’s been battling a hamstring injury, but it’s likely he’ll see time on the field as well. Michael Bush, once again, will be given the opportunity to show what he’s made of.

The Chargers’ wide receiver Vincent Jackson was reportedly not likely to be in the game due to a groin injury, but it looks like that has changed, and he’s now listed as probable. Jackson is one of the Chargers star players, but against the Raiders he caught just one pass for 22 yards. In their recent game against Detroit he had just two catches for 41 yards. He may be trying to play through pain, and I don’t think he’ll be a big concern for the Raiders on Sunday. San Diego’s running back Ryan Mathews is still questionable, with running back Mike Tolbert as probable.

Just one day before we find out the fate of the Silver and Black, things continue to look brighter. As always, whoever is on, or off, the field, Just win baby!

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan from the time she could walk. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett . Follow her at www.facebook.com/KCDermodyWriter, Twitter @kcdermody, or www.kcdermodywriter.com.

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I like Oakland Raiders’ head coach Hue Jackson. He tells it like it is and doesn’t waste words or pull any punches. He’s a humble guy who used to watch the Raiders play in the Los Angeles Coliseum when he worked there as a security guard in the 1980s.

An NFL football.
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I think he has really built the Raider team into something great since taking the helm and is doing a admirable job at continuing the legacy of long-time owner Al Davis and his “Commitment to Excellence.” In Mr. Davis’ memory, I really do believe the team will make it to the Super Bowl. The on-field play is supported by the Raider Nation, the community of fans (including myself) around the world who support the Silver and Black.

Each Friday after the team practice, Coach Jackson speaks with the media and I think his interview is a great way to determine where the team is one day before the game. In this case the game is the must-win January 1 game against the San Diego Chargers to end the 2011 regular season and hopefully move into the playoffs. Here are some key highlights I took away from Coach Jackson’s Friday press conference on December 30:

Injuries are still an issue

Michael Huff and Jacoby Ford are still recovering but it looks like Coach Jackson will include them in the line-up. He doesn’t think Ford is quite back up to speed, but I think the Raiders need him in there returning kickoffs.

Chemistry is another issue

Not bad chemistry, but lack of it. I agree with the Coach’s assessment that the team just needs more time to really come together. They have great players but the late addition of Carson Palmer just takes some getting used to. I think the Raiders have shown great heart this season and will definitely have a strong 2012 season, regardless of their 2011 finish.

Still not watching the scoreboard

Coach Jackson makes it a policy to not look at the scoreboard during games and even though it’s a must win for the Raiders, he’ll concentrate on executing each play successfully and helping “this football team do everything it can to win.”

Palmer can play under pressure

In a must-win game like the San Diego game, I think it’s essential we have an experienced guy like Palmer in there. Coach Jackson agrees, saying “It’s very important. He’s not going to flinch. That’s what I love about him. We’ve had some things not go his way but one thing I know about him, he’s not sitting over there sulking about it, or worried about it, he’s on to the next play and that’s kind of the way I am.” I agree and think that’s the professional attitude that wins games and wins championships.

Although born and raised with Eagles fans in Philadelphia, Freddy Sherman has always been a citizen of Raider Nation at heart. Since his dad got him a signed George Blanda football as child, to meeting Lyle Alzado in the 1980s, he hasn’t looked back. Follow him on twitter @thefredsherman

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As most of us know by now, the Oakland Raiders must win the game against the San Diego Chargers on New Year’s Day to have a chance at getting into the playoffs. That’s the most important part of the equation, and the only one the Silver and Black are focusing on.

Kamerion Wimbley
Wikimedia Commons

In order for the Raiders to win the AFC West, the Denver Broncos need to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs. If that doesn’t happen, and somehow Tebow has another miracle left under his helmet (unlikely), the Cincinnati Bengals will need to lose to the Baltimore Ravens, and the Ravens are favored in that matchup. They would also need either the Tennessee Titans to lose to the Houston Texans or the New York Jets to defeat the Miami Dolphins. Both the Titans and Dolphins are favored, but I’m going for the best case scenario, and that’s a Denver loss.

The key ingredient to all of this, is an Oakland win over San Diego on Sunday, and there are at least five reasons I believe they will.

Philip Rivers

The Chargers’ quarterback, Philip Rivers, may be going to the Pro Bowl, but if he was judged on his 2011 performance, he’d be unlikely to head to Hawaii. Rivers has thrown 24 interceptions this year and in their last game against the Raiders at home, Rivers was sacked six times. He’ll be going down quite a few times again this coming Sunday.

Injured players returning

The Raiders’ sophomore receiver, Jacoby Ford, should be back in the game. Ford has been known to make some big plays, and he’ll give Oakland’s offense a big boost. In addition, safety Michael Huff, has said he will be in this all-important game, after missing the last two with a hamstring injury. Head coach Hue Jackson commented that Huff’s return is very important and the veteran player is one of the better on the team.

Jackson also said that the pieces are coming back together just like he knew they would, and I agree, it couldn’t happen at a better time.

Raiders’ running game

Oakland has the sixth ranked rushing attack in the NFL, and the Chargers run defense gives up 123.5 yards a game, ranked 20th in the league . Although star running back Darren McFadden is unlikely to return for the final game of the regular season, Michael Bush stole the show when the Raiders’ faced the Chargers on November 10. In that game, Bush had 30 carries for 157 yards and scored a touchdown.

Charger injuries

The Chargers strongest wide receiver, Vincent Jackson, hasn’t been at practice all week after suffering a groin injury. He’s unlikely to be in the game Sunday. Their running backs, Ryan Matthews and Michael Tolbert have missed practice this week and though they might both get on the field in Oakland, they won’t be at 100%.

The Raiders want the win

This is a must win for the Raiders, while it doesn’t matter near as much to the Chargers. Their season is over and done on January 1 either way. The players on the Silver and Black have the heart, and the will, to fight a tough battle and win.

The O.co Coliseum is sold out again, making this the eighth sell out of eight games in Oakland this year. Jackson said, “My hat goes out to our fans for supporting us. What we have to do is give back to them as I’ve always said. And how we give back is by winning.”

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan from the time she could walk. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett . Follow her at www.facebook.com/KCDermodyWriter or on Twitter @kcdermody.

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