OAKLAND
Sean Smith told reporters Friday he was sufficiently recovered from a shoulder injury to play Sunday. But the Raiders’ staff apparently disagreed, making the cornerback inactive for their prime-time game against the Denver Broncos.
Smith injured his left shoulder early in the first quarter of last weekend’s win at Tampa Bay and was limited the past two days of practice this week. The Raiders may have wanted to be cautious with Smith, their top corner, with the upcoming bye, giving him two full weeks to heal.
With Smith out, D.J. Hayden started opposite David Amerson at corner and T.