In an expected move, the Oakland Raiders have downgraded wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey to out for Sunday's division showdown against the Denver Broncos.
Heyward-Bey was hospitalized on Sunday after absorbing a vicious hit from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Mundy in the fourth quarter of the Raiders' 34-31 win. The fourth-year pro suffered a concussion and neck strain. Mundy was fined $21,000 for the hit.
Heyward-Bey was released from the hospital on Tuesday and didn't practice all week. CBSSports.com reported the receiver hasn't even started jogging since returning to team facilities on Wednesday.
Heyward-Bey's absence further dilutes a receiving group that has been a trouble spot for the Raiders through three weeks. Jacoby Ford is already out for the season with a foot injury. Denarius Moore is the only name brand in a group that includes Juron Criner, Rod Streater and Derek Hagan.
Translation: Expect another very busy day for Darren McFadden in Denver.
In other Raiders injury news, tight end Richard Gordon (hamstring) was also downgraded from questionable to out.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
