3 Raiders starters declared out for Sunday’s game vs. Cardinals

The Raiders have declared three starters out of Sunday’s home opener against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium.

Center Andre James remains in concussion protocol after clashing helmets with Joey Bosa of the Chargers on the final offensive play of a Week 1 loss and won’t play.

“He’s in the protocol,” coach Josh McDaniels said. “When that happens, we want to make sure the player’s health comes first, for sure.”

Linebacker Denzel Perryman has not practiced this week because of an ankle injury and will miss the game, as will safety Tre’von Moehrig, who has a hip injury.

Running back Brandon Bolden, who scored a touchdown in his Raiders’ debut, is unlikely to play. He missed all three practices this week with a hamstring injury and is listed as doubtful.

As important as Perryman and Moehrig are to the defense, James’ spot at center might be the toughest hole for the Raiders to fill.

Rookie Dylan Parham, who was exceptional at right guard in his NFL debut, is possibly the first option at center. He took reps at both guard spots and center throughout the offseason, and McDaniels said he thinks Parham can play wherever he is needed.

“We wouldn’t put him in that position if we didn’t think he could handle it,” McDaniels said. “So, we feel comfortable with him being able to play multiple roles.”

Parham isn’t the only option at center, and McDaniels indicated there could be a rotation similar to the one the team employed last week. The Raiders signed former first-round pick Billy Price to the practice squad this week.

“Our goal will always be to try to put the five guys out there that give us the best opportunity to have some success,” McDaniels said. “In last week’s case, we’re early in the season, it’s a hot, humid day, there ends up being seven guys play and contribute.”

Cardinals injuries

Arizona ruled out receivers Rondale Moore and Andy Isabella.

Four players are questionable, including star defensive lineman J.J. Watt (calf), starting safety Jalen Thompson (toe), offensive lineman Justin Pugh (neck) and former Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (toe).

Coin flip

McDaniels deferred his option to the second half after the Raiders won the coin toss against the Chargers.

While that has become the preferred decision of coaches and is expected to be the default option for McDaniels, he said it’s not automatic.

Weather is one variable, he said, but the Raiders play home games indoors, so that won’t often be much of a factor.

“But if it’s ever an outdoor game with significant wind or factors in the weather where you would want to have the opportunity to choose the wind in the fourth quarter, that could certainly affect it,” he said. “And then you look at everything else, like how does the other team start on offense? How well have they done defensively? Where do you feel like the best place for you to start the game would be if you win the toss?”

Cleaning it up

McDaniels has often preached the importance of learning not to make mistakes and beat yourself.

Then the Raiders were intercepted three times in the opener. History would suggest it won’t happen again.

Derek Carr has thrown multiple interceptions in back-to-back games only twice in his career. It happened once in his rookie season of 2014 and again in Weeks 3 and 4 of the 2018 season when he was still learning coach Jon Gruden’s system.

Carr has thrown three interceptions two previous times. He followed with zero the next game both times.

Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on Twitter.