ALAMEDA – Running back Latavius Murray’s absence from the Raiders’ second-half attack remained a topic of conversation a day after Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos.

The third-year pro had just two touches in the second half and 14 in the first, where he fought for tough yards when the offense was going good. It stagnated late, with Murray’s replacements gaining 15 yards on six carries in the second half stages.

Murray injured his shoulder in a Week 4 loss to Chicago, was limited in practice last week and was treated for the ailment in the second half of Sunday’s game and did not return despite technically being available and on the sideline in the second half.

[BAIR: Raiders notes: Murray sidelined for most of second half]

Del Rio was asked on Monday if Murray’s shoulder was an issue in his effectiveness. He responded this way:

“All I would say on that is that he is one of many guys that are giving it up for the team, playing hard, playing through some pain in some situations,” Del Rio said. “I’m really appreciative of that, respectful of that. We’ll continue to do the best we can to put the best product out.”

The bye week will certainly help Murray, who is still considered the team’s primary back and capable of carrying a heavy load. Look to the first half Sunday for evidence of that.

“I thought he did some good things,” Del Rio said of Murray’s first-half effort. “I thought, early, we ran the ball at them very effectively. Showed flashes there where you could see some possibilities going forward.”

NOTES:

4th-and-19 call questioned: Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave called for a screen pass on 4th-and-19 near the end of Sunday’s loss to Denver, an unpopular call that seemed like a give-up play with the Raiders down two scores in the fourth quarter.

“I’d love to have the chance to have do-overs,” Del Rio said. “A Monday morning quarterback has got perfect vision. It wasn’t… I don’t think the game came down to lack of execution on that one play. I think there were other opportunities in the game to have a winning performance. Looking back, was there an opportunity to maybe do something better? Maybe. Maybe I can do a better job going forward, but like I said, you learn from these experiences. We’re growing as a staff.”

Carrie forces Del Rio’s hand: Second-year defensive back TJ Carrie was declared out of Sunday’s game against Denver, but pushed head coach Jack Del Rio to upgrade a player from being out on a Saturday. It worked out well, considering Carrie played most every snap against the Broncos at safety.

“He did a pretty good job convincing me he was ready to go,” Del Rio said. “I felt (Carrie’s chest issue) would settle down, and I felt it did have a chance to settle down. I don’t think that situation comes around very often.”

Tuck getting looked at: Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck did not finish Sunday’s game after suffering a shoulder injury. He had an MRI on Monday afternoon to examine the damage, though the results of that test weren’t immediately known. It’s doubtful he’ll practice much, if at all, during the bye week.

Jones fighting to return: Raiders running back and kick returner Taiwan Jones hoped to return for Sunday’s game versus Denver, but missed his second straight game with a foot injury. Del Rio is hopeful for a return against San Diego after the bye week.