Though the road team in tomorrow’s early game, the Packers, have been a fixture when it comes to Thanksgiving football, the visitors for the second game are making their first appearance on the fourth Thursday in November since 1970.
The Raiders have only played in five Thanksgiving games: 1963 (at Broncos), 1966 (vs. Bills), 1967 (at Chiefs), 1968 (vs. Bills), and 1970 (at Lions).
For their first-ever Thanksgiving game against the Cowboys, the Raiders are relatively healthy. Out are linebacker Jon Alston, whose “illness” is more like “post-concussion syndrome,” and receiver Nick Miller, due to a shin injury. Linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba is doubtful with a knee injury, and receiver Javon Walker (hamstring) is questionable. Defensive end Greg Ellis (knee) and defensive end Richard Seymour (back) are probable.
The fact that the 3-7 Raiders knocked off the Bengals three days ago makes Thursday’s game a bit more interesting. By halftime, however, that could be a different story.