ALAMEDA -- A nonstarter because of legal troubles the last time the Raiders visited Miami, middle linebacker Rolando McClain is coming off what might be his best NFL game in a return visit.

A review by the analysis Web site ProFootballFocus.com said McClain "had perhaps the most dominant performance against the run of any linebacker in Week 1." His adjusted statistics after film was reviewed by the Raiders showed seven tackles with five unassisted in a 22-14 loss to San Diego on Monday.

Moreover, McClain continually beat blocks and fit the right gaps in addition to keeping teammates aligned.

The Raiders decided to allow McClain to play despite a conviction on misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment, assault, illegal discharge of a firearm and menacing. The case is under appeal and awaiting a jury trial in Alabama.

General manager Reggie McKenzie said Thursday he doesn't feel vindicated by McClain's play.

"I just look at Rolando since I have been here, and from the offseason workouts to training camp and all that stuff and he's been solid," McKenzie said. "He understands what (the coaches) are trying to get him to do, and he's taken it and is trying to run with it."

McClain wasn't interested in talking about how encouraging the defense was in a game the Raiders didn't win although they gave up just 258 yards to San Diego's offense.

"You always want to win," McClain said.

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"No matter how good we play on defense, we're a team at the end of the day. And that's what matters."

  • Coach Dennis Allen said there was a "strong possibility" Jacoby Ford would go on injured reserve, ending the wide receiver's season. Ford underwent surgery on his left foot this week.

    "It's possible (his recovery) could take a long time," Allen said.

  • Long snapper Jon Condo is still undergoing tests after his concussion and has yet to be cleared. Allen said Condo will travel with the team to Miami on Friday but if he's not cleared then Nick Guess would be promoted from the practice squad.

  • Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp said Denarius Moore would be eased back into the wide receiver rotation.

    "You've got to manage him because he's been out for so long (with a hamstring strain)," Knapp said. "You try and give him a chance to win critical situations, third downs, red zone, certain first and second downs also."

  • Center Stefen Wisniewski opened with the first team again, although Allen did not name him the starter over Alex Parsons.

    For more on the Raiders, visit the Inside the Oakland Raiders blog at ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders. Follow Jerry McDonald on Twitter at Twitter.com/Jerrymcd.