The Raiders returned to the practice field on Friday to wrap up their work leading up to Sunday's match-up with the San Francisco 49ers.
Following Friday's session, Interim Head Coach Tony Sparano ruled out Jonathan Dowling, Brian Leonhardt and Menelik Watson from Sunday's contest due to injury.
Although his team is coming off a tough loss to the Rams last week, Coach Sparano has been pleased about the resolve that his team, in particular the veterans, have shown all season.
"Our veteran players have been wise enough to know that 'hey, this wasn't a great performance,' and 'this is what is takes,'" said Coach Sparano. "To their credit, when we go out there and practice and we're pushing them after a performance that wasn't up to par, those guys have responded and they've given us the work that we've needed. They've done a good job of given us the work that we've needed." That veteran presence has also paid dividends on the practice field, where Coach Sparano was pleased with the team's effort this week.
"This was a good week," Coach Sparano said of his team's week on the practice field. "A lot better week than last week."
Just 33 miles separate the stadiums of the two teams and Sunday's contest is sure to be hard fought.
"Coach [Sparano] told us the importance of it," rookie G Gabe Jackson said. "It's the Battle of the Bay. We have this bragging right for a whole year if we win this game."
The Raiders are scheduled to have meetings and treatment tomorrow and will then take on the 49ers for the 13th time in franchise history on Sunday at O.co Coliseum.
The game will be broadcast on FOX, and kickoff is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. PT.
