PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Wisniewski’s Replacement Unknown

With left guard Steve Wisniewski sidelined because of a sprained knee for at least a week, probably longer, the Raiders need a replacement. James FitzPatrick, a 300-pound tackle, took over when Wisniewski was injured Sunday. But Coach Art Shell said Monday that Reggie McElroy, a natural guard who has played more tackle this season, might get the start next Monday at New Orleans.

Briefly, here is how the Raiders qualified for the playoffs despite losing Sunday’s game: The Raiders can do no worse now than finish in a three-way tie at 9-7 with Miami and the New York Jets.

To finish 9-7, the Jets will have had to beat Miami in the season finale, leaving New York with a series sweep and the tiebreaker advantage. The Raiders win the tiebreaker against the Jets based on a better winning percentage against common opponents.

In Sunday’s game, Buffalo receiver James Lofton 35, became the oldest player to gain 1,000 receiving yards in a season. Lofton, a former Raider, had five catches for 72 yards, giving him 1,024 for the season. . . . With another interception Sunday, safety Ronnie Lott has eight for the season, his second-most ever. In 1986, Lott had 10 interceptions.