Raiders news: Andre James injury update; Positive news about Michael Mayer

UPDATE:

Andre James (ankle) missed his second practice in as many days, leading to questions about who the Raiders' starting player will be on Sunday against the Bengals. When James went down last week, rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson slipped while Cody Whitehair filled in at left defense.

Accordingly Vic Tafur from the AthleticThe Raiders will likely have Powers-Johnson at center again if James can't leave. However, Dylan Parham (foot) was limited in practice after missing the last two games, allowing Las Vegas to move Parham and Jordan Meredith to the two guard spots.

Robert Spillane (knee) and Zamir White also missed practice Thursday, while Jack Jones (knee), Jakobi Meyers (ankle) and Kolton Miller (elbow) were all upgraded from limited to full participation. Everyone else's status remained the same as of Wednesday.

PREVIOUSLY:

The Las Vegas Raiders will be without starter Andre James at practice on Wednesday as they begin preparations for Sunday's game at the Cincinnati Bengals (kickoff is 10 a.m. PT).

James left the Raiders' Week 8 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with an ankle injury. Rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson moved from left guard to replace James, and veteran backup Cody Whitehair replaced Powers-Johnson.

The offensive line received good news as right guard Dylan Parham returns to practice after missing the last two weeks of practice and the last two games with a foot injury. He was replaced by Jordan Meredith in those two games. He would be an option along with Whitehair at left defense if Powers-Johnson has to play center for James in Cincinnati.

UPDATE: In addition to James, linebacker Robert Spillane also missed practice due to knee problems. He was banged up in the first quarter against Kansas City, but he finished the game.

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said star rookie tight end Brock Bowers had an X-ray after Sunday's game but was fine. Bowers could soon have fellow tight end Michael Mayer back.

Pierce said the second-year senior is close to returning from a personal issue that has kept him out the past five games. Notre Dame's 2023 second-round pick has been placed on the reserve/non-football injured list and will miss at least one more game. In three games this season, he has four catches for 21 yards.

In other notes from Pierce's press conference on Wednesday:

• Pierce said offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will continue to be the game manager, but Pierce acknowledged Getsy needs to improve.
• Pierce said running back Alexander Mattison will continue to start ahead of Zamir White, who began the season as the starter.