I feared the worst if Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack were to miss this week's game after having his appendix removed early last week (see the Jets' offensive line against the Ravens a couple of weeks ago). After not taking part in practice all week, Mack returned to the practice field and was with the first-teamers Friday morning, according to the Akron Beacon Journal:
Center Alex Mack practiced for the first time since he had an appendectomy on Oct. 3. Mack took snaps with the first-team offense. Earlier this week, Mack, said it would be a "day-by-day decision" whether he can play against the Raiders. Shurmur is scheduled to meet with media after practice at 1 p.m. today, so he is expected to update Mack's status.
That is also good news for running back Peyton Hillis, because the Raiders have two solid defensive tackles up front that could have wreaked havoc if Steve Vallos had been forced into starting. In other practice-related news, cornerback Joe Haden continued to miss practice. We'll see if Pat Shurmur has any more updates on the second-year defensive back during his afternoon press conference.