Raiders center Andre James (68) protects the pocket for quarterback Aidan O’Connell (4) during the second half of an NFL game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang
Raiders center Andre James (68) chats with quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) as they face the Dallas Cowboys for their NFL preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Las Vegas. (L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @Left_Eye_Images
Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) pushes into the end zone for a touchdown with Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) defending and Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) in protection during the first half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang
Raiders center Andre James (68) and guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) protect the pocket against Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) and defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during the first half of an NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @HeidiFang
The Raiders will be without starting center Andre James on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals because of an ankle injury, coach Antonio Pierce said Friday.
James got hurt in his team’s 27-20 loss to the Chiefs on Oct. 27 at Allegiant Stadium.
Rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson, who filled in for James against Kansas City, will start at center Sunday. That leaves the Raiders with question marks at both guard positions given right guard Dylan Parham has missed the last two games with a foot injury. Parham practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday. The Raiders could move Jordan Meredith, Parham’s replacement the last two weeks, to left guard if Parham is able to play. Otherwise, Meredith will likely stay at right guard and veteran Cody Whitehair could come in at left guard.
Pierce also said starting linebacker Robert Spillane, who did not practice Wednesday and Thursday due to a knee injury, will likely be a game-time decision against the Bengals.
