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          NFL Nation

          Matt McCants returns to practice for Raiders' beat-up O-line

          • Paul Gutierrez, ESPN Staff WriterSep 28, 2016, 07:50 PM ET
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              Paul Gutierrez joined NFL Nation in 2013 and serves as its Las Vegas Raiders reporter. He has a multi-platform role - writing on ESPN.com, television appearances on NFL Live and SportsCenter, and podcast and radio appearances. Before coming to ESPN, Gutierrez spent three years at CSN Bay Area as a multi-platform reporter, covering the Raiders and Oakland Athletics as well as anchoring the SportsNet Central cable news show. Gutierrez votes for the Baseball Hall of Fame and is also a member of the Professional Football Writers of America and currently serves as the PFWA's Las Vegas chapter president. He is also a member of the California Chicano News Media Association and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Gutierrez has authored three books: Tommy Davis' Tales from the Dodgers Dugout, 100 Things Raiders Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die and If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Raiders Sideline, Locker Room and Press Box with Lincoln Kennedy. You can follow Paul on Twitter @PGutierrezESPN
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          ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders received a boost on their offensive line with the return to practice of backup swing tackle Matt McCants, who had not suited up since his left knee was rolled up on in the season opener at New Orleans.

          McCants was limited on Wednesday but his return came on a day in which starting right tackle Menelilk Watson and backup right tackle Austin Howard both sat out. The Raiders still have rookie Vadal Alexander and promoted Denver Kirkland from the practice squad to get the roster up to its full complement of 53 players for the first time this season.

          Center Rodney Hudson took his customary Wednesday off as well while running back/kick returner Taiwan Jones stretched with the team but left the practice field with a trainer before drills.

          Following is the Raiders’ full injury report for Wednesday in advance of Sunday's game at the Baltimore Ravens:

          Limited participation: S Nate Allen (quad), OT Matt McCants (knee)

          Did not participate: OL Austin Howard (ankle), C Rodney Hudson (knee), RB Taiwan Jones (knee), RT Menelik Watson (groin)