ALAMEDA (AP) — Oakland Raiders safety Tyvon Branch practiced for the first time this week, an encouraging turn for a struggling secondary sorely lacking depth. Branch, who has missed only one start since a shoulder injury sidelined him for the final eight games of his rookie season in 2008, was limited in Friday's workout after being sidelined by neck and ankle injuries. That's still considerable progress, and the veteran strong safety is cautiously optimistic he'll play in Oakland's final home game of the season Sunday against Kansas City.