Injured Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck is feeling the pain of fans now that he’s relegated to watching road games on television.

“I had to walk out of the room at certain points (Sunday) because I realized if I didn’t, I already knew what I was going to buy myself for Christmas, and that would be a new TV,” Tuck said.

“When you’re on the field, you don’t really get nervous, at least I don’t, because you feel like you’ve got a chance to impact the outcome,” Tuck said. “When you’re not on that football field, it’s nerve-racking. I don’t see how true fans do it week in and week out. It has to be unhealthy.”

Tuck spoke to the media Wednesday for the first time since suffering a season-ending pectoral injury Oct. 11. Earlier in the day, he was named the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which honors players’ charitable work.

“Any time you get linked with the great Walter Payton in any regard, it’s an honor,” Tuck said. “Very humbling to be a part of it.”

Tuck said the rehabilitation for his torn pectoral muscle is going well.

“This injury isn’t as bad as people think it is,” Tuck said. “I feel like I could go play now. Obviously, that’s just probably ignorant Tuck talking, but I feel that way.”

Tuck, 32 and in his 11th NFL season, said it’s been important for him to remain close to the team. He’s among the bigger cheerleaders on the sidelines as home games.

“They voted me captain and captain has a lot more to do with just being on the field,” Tuck said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys, especially on the D-line. Any way I can be a part of helping their growth, I think that’s important.

“Plus, what’s the alternative? I can go home and sit on the couch and watch TV, which will get boring real quickly.”

Tuck, whose contract expires after this season, said he has given thought to a potential return to Oakland next season, but “the biggest thing is just to get everything back right with my body. All the rest of the stuff will take care of itself.”