Raiders' injured linemen work way back to health

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Whether it's Terrelle Pryor or Matt McGloin taking snaps Sunday, the Raiders quarterback should feel a little safer behind the offensive line. Left guard Andre Gurode almost made it back last week from a quad injury and should be good to go Sunday against the Texans.

Left tackle Jared Veldheer and right tackle Tony Pashos were also back at practice Wednesday. Veldheer (torn triceps) practiced for the first time since training camp and the 21-day clock starts. The Raiders have three weeks to decide whether to activate their starting left tackle from the temporary injured reserve list or shut him down for the season. He can practice until then and not count toward the 53-man roster.

Veldheer was getting treatment after practice and is expected to talk to reporters Thursday. Raiders coach Dennis Allen didn't have any first-day-back impressions.

"Not really," Allen said. "We'll evaluate him as he goes through this week, and we'll see when he's going to be ready to play. Hopefully it'll be soon."

Pashos was back for the first time since injuring his hip at Kansas City on Oct. 13. Allen would rather go with Pashos' 10 years of experience than rookie Menelik Watson's upside against talented Houston defensive end J.J. Watt. The NFL Defensive Player of the Year last season, Watt had two forced fumbles and two recoveries last week, and has a league-high 27 sacks since the start of the 2012 season.

"No matter who you put over there, J.J. Watt is a tough matchup," Allen said. "But Tony was able to practice today. ... If he's totally healthy, there's a good chance we'd see him in there."

McFadden still out: Running back Darren McFadden (hamstring) and cornerback D.J. Hayden (groin) were on the side working with trainers during practice. McFadden missed last week's game; Rashad Jennings started and had 107 yards rushing and receiving.

Oakland Raiders guard Andre Gurode (64) during pre-game warmups for an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann) Oakland Raiders guard Andre Gurode (64) during pre-game warmups for an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann) Photo: Reed Hoffmann, Associated Press Photo: Reed Hoffmann, Associated Press Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Raiders' injured linemen work way back to health 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Briefly: Kicker Sebastian Janikowski (ribs), receiver Juron Criner (shoulder), linebacker Kaluka Maiava (ribs) and tackle Matt McCants (toe) also missed practice. Safety Tyvon Branch is also still out with a fibula injury. ... The Raiders re-signed defensive lineman Brian Sanford to the active roster.