NFL Nation

          Raiders' safety injuries mean Taylor Mays, Larry Asante could start

          The Oakland Raiders went into the season with safety being one of their most thin positions. The situation has gotten worse since starters Nate Allen and Charles Woodson were both injured in the 33-13 loss against visiting Cincinnati on Sunday. Let’s examine what each injury means:

          Allen: The free-agent pickup from Philadelphia left the game in the first quarter after Oakland linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong collided into him. The Raiders feared he tore his ACL, but Monday Oakland coach Jack Del Rio said the team is hopeful Allen could be back later this season. Later, NFL Media reported that Allen has a torn MCL in his knee and he will be back in several weeks. Allen could potentially be out about half the season or perhaps a bit less. He could be a candidate for the injured reserve with a designation to return.

          Woodson: ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that he has a dislocated shoulder. There is no timetable for his return, but Woodson predictably is trying to make his time away as short as possible. Woodson, who will turn 39 next month, has not missed a game since returning to the Raiders in 2013.

          Larry Asante: The career backup took over for Allen on Sunday. The journeyman has played in 24 games since entering the NFL in 2010 and has just two starts. He is now in line to start.

          Taylor Mays: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Raiders will sign Mays and he will start Sunday at home against Baltimore. Mays was with the Raiders for about two weeks before being cut at the 53-man deadline. He has been cut by the Lions and the Raiders this year, and has had just four starts since 2010. Now, he and Asante are in line to start together with Woodson and Allen hurt.

          DJ Hayden: Hayden is a cornerback, not a safety, but he is another banged-up member of the Raiders’ secondary. He was limping badly with an ankle injury after the loss to Cincinnati. If he can’t play, journeyman Neiko Thorpe will likely start. He played extensively while second-year player Keith McGill had just one snap. McGill was supposed to push Hayden, but that hasn’t developed.