OAKLAND – Raiders running back Latavius Murray spent the end of last week’s loss to Chicago glued to the sideline. Head coach Jack Del Rio wouldn't characterize it as a benching, though it came after he committed two costly turnovers against the Bears.

Murray was in a similar position in the second half of Sunday’s 16-10 loss to the Denver Broncos. He was on the sideline, swaying back and forth with his helmet on while the Raiders struggled to move the ball on offense.

This came after he had 14 touches for 50 yards in the first half. He only had two carries after that.

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Murray’s shoulder was likely the issue. He was limited most of the practice week, and received treatment in the locker room during the third quarter and did not return. When asked about Murray’s late-game absence, head coach Jack Del Rio didn’t put it all on health.

“He was a little banged (up),” Del Rio said, “but he was available.”

Del Rio was pressed on the issue, and again cited health. Murray did the same.

“(The shoulder) was bothering me a little bit,” Murray said, “Roy (Helu) and Marcel (Reece) stepped in, just mixing in different personnel.”

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He averaged just 3.0 yards per carry against a stingy Broncos defense, though his replacements were even worse. Jamize Olawale was second on the team with six carries, but had just 13 yards.

Murray’s touches have been up-and-down this season, but the Raiders fed him regularly when he was healthy and effective against the Cleveland Browns. He had a rough game against Chicago, where he also hurt his shoulder. He was set on playing Denver, and was active early.

“I knew I was going to play regardless,” Murray said. “…but things happen.”

NOTES

Tuck doesn’t finish: Besides Murray, defensive end Justin Tuck was the only other Raider to leave hurt and not return. The Raiders said Tuck suffered a shoulder injury in the second half.

Defense stands tall: The Raiders defense had a strong day against the Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning, especially when it mattered most. Denver didn’t score a touchdown in three trips into the red zone, including a series with three plays from goal to go.

The Raiders defense also limited damage on third down. The Broncos converted just 2-of-12 third downs in the game. The Broncos ground game struggled as well, averaging just 2.4 yards per carry in 18 attempts.

Broncos get to Carr: The Broncos vaunted pass rush didn’t get consistent pressure on Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, but caused some havoc in the backfield. They sacked Carr four times, and Von Miller forced and recovered a Carr fumble deep in Raiders territory. After a game, it’s tough to evaluate protection, but the box score didn’t look good to Del Rio.

“I have to look at the tape, but when I look at the stats I see four sacks,” he said. “That’s too many.”

Have Raiders solved TE problem?: The Raiders fared well against tight ends for the first time all season, holding Broncos tight end Owen Daniels without a catch on five targets. The Raiders were aided by a personnel switch, using rookie linebacker Neiron Ball over Curtis Lofton on passing downs.

It was a team effort slowing that position down, and it was about execution over anything else.

“Since we’ve been getting killed on that subject,” Del Rio said, “I guess we’ll just say that we finally got it right today.”

Carrie guts it out: Raiders defensive back TJ Carrie was upgraded from out to questionable to active for Sunday’s game despite having a chest injury. He played consistently from the safety spot and had three tackles and a pass defensed.

“It was important to get out there if I could,” Carrie said. “I just wanted to do whatever I could to help the team win.”