Texans vs. Raiders: Week 11 Inactives

Nov 10, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) scrambles out of the pocket during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders have a total of 12 players on the inactive list of Sunday’s game, including Terrelle Pryor and Darren McFadden officially ruled out for the Raiders.

Also for the Raiders, besides their starters at quarterback and running back, safety Tyvon Branch, wider receiver Juron Criner, cornerback DJ Hayden and outside linebacker Kaluka Maiava are all inactive

Maiava has played in seven games this season, and won’t play this week due to a rib injury. He has 17 tackles this season.

The Raiders will have a lot of problems, or should have a lot of problems this week without those players, especially Pryor who is the best offensive weapon this season. Pryor is their leading rusher with over 500 yards.

For the Texans, cornerback Kareem Jackson, linebacker Joe Mays, tight end Ryan Griffin, defensive back Elbert Mack, third-string quarterback T.J. Yates and linebacker Mike Mohamed are all ruled out.

The Texas’ depth at linebacker is starting to become a bit worrisome, so that’s my biggest concern with this list of players who are out.

I still believe the Texans’ have the overall advantage in this game, and if they don’t leave Reliant Stadium with their first victory since the second game of the season, well when will they ever win another game?

This is the Texans’ game to lose with Pryor and McFadden inactive, and if they can’t take advantage of that, then they are completely out of excuses.

The game starts at 1 p.m. EDT on CBS.