The Raiders were faced with the possibility Thursday of being without one of their most dependable and durable defenders as strong safety Tyvon Branch missed practice for the second straight day because of a neck injury. Branch, the Raiders' second-leading tackler, has started 57 consecutive games after missing the second half of his rookie season because of shoulder surgery. "If he's able to practice (today), I'd anticipate he'd be able to play," Raiders coach Dennis Allen said. "I'd have some real concern if he's not able to practice (today)." It's not known exactly when Branch was hurt. Said safety Mike Mitchell, who would replace Branch, "He was kind of sore, and then on the plane, he was kind of stiff, but we didn't really know anything." In the same situation as Branch is wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, who has missed the past two practices because of a hamstring strain – always a tricky injury for skill position players who depend on speed. If Heyward-Bey does not play, it will mean increased time for Rod Streater, Derek Hagan and Juron Criner. Source: Sacramento Bee
