Raiders coach Dennis Allen said Thursday afternoon that there’s a “strong possibility” that wide reciever Jacoby Ford will be placed on season-ending injured reserve.
A new rule permits teams to designate one player on injured reserve for return at some point in the season. However, Allen said if Ford goes on injured reserve, it won’t be under the new designation.
Therefore, the Raiders face the prospect of playing the entire 2012 season without Ford, who is one of their most explosive receivers, as well as their kick returner.
Ford suffered a left foot injury at the end of a reception against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 17 in an exhibition game. He did not practice or play in a game after the injury. He underwent surgery in North Carolina on Tuesday.
Allen said Ford’s injury is the dreaded Lisfranc injury, which has been known to sideline players for lengthy periods and be difficult to rebound from.
Running back Darren McFadden said as much Wednesday, ever mindful of his bout with a similar injury last season.
For now, the Raiders have five receivers on their 53-man roster — Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore, Derek Hagan, Juron Criner and Rod Streater.
Allen didn’t rule out the possibility of signing a free agent or promoting a receiver from the practice squad.
— In other news, middle linebacker Rolando McClain (ankle) and running back Taiwan Jones (ribs) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday. They missed practice the day before.
Criner (ankle), defensive tackle Richard Seymour (knee), center Alex Parsons (shoulder) and Moore (hamstring) also were limited.
— Allen said long-snapper Jon Condo (concussion) is “feeling better” and will accompany the Raiders to Miami. Condo will play, too, if he is cleared by team doctors.
If Condo can’t play, the Raiders are expected to sign Nick Guess from the practice squad to fill in for Condo as the long-snapper.