Raiders' Maurice Jones-Drew still a question mark (w/video)

ALAMEDA - Raiders coach Dennis Allen remains hopeful that running back Maurice Jones-Drew will be able to play in Sunday’s home opener against the Houston Texans.

Nick Roach’s status isn’t as encouraging, meaning the Raiders likely will be without their starting middle linebacker for a second consecutive week.

Jones-Drew has not practiced this week and remained listed as questionable on the team’s injury report. He has been bothered by a right hand injury he aggravated in last week’s loss to the New York Jets.

The Raiders managed just 25 yards on the ground against the Jets and need all the help they can get against a tough Texans run defense. That’s why Allen said the team will wait until Sunday before deciding whether Jones-Drew can play.

“When you have a veteran player like that who has played a lot of football, if he is ready to go, we’re going to have him up and active and playing,” Allen said Friday.

Darren McFadden will likely get the bulk of work in Oakland’s backfield if Jones-Drew can’t go.

With little help from the running game, the Raiders were forced to rely heavily on rookie quarterback Derek Carr. Carr, Oakland’s second-round draft pick, passed for two touchdowns and had a 94.7 rating.

The Raiders hope to be more balanced against the Texans, while Carr expects to be more relaxed.

“The biggest difference I guess now after playing a game, just for me, I know how to prepare,” Carr said. “This is only my second game starting ... but being able to play and now I have my plan set, how I like to do things, it’s so helpful and beneficial to me.”