PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAIDERS : Hostetler Back at Practice, Says He’ll Play

Jeff Hostetler admitted that he had a headache.

But no longer.

Seventy-two hours after leaving the Packer game at Green Bay because of a concussion, the Raider quarterback was back on the field Wednesday at El Segundo, filling his usual role in practice.

“I feel better,” Hostetler said afterward, adding that he’ll be ready to face the Denver Broncos on Sunday at the Coliseum.

“Nothing amazes me about him,” Coach Art Shell said. “He’s tough, tough. He refuses to stay down. . . . That’s him. That’s his history. He refuses to be hurt.

“He was a little subdued (at practice). You expect that. He feels he’ll be ready for the game. We’ll have to watch him.”

Hostetler still must receive medical clearance to play.

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The Raiders must win Sunday to guarantee themselves a wild-card playoff spot. They can also get in with a loss if the Pittsburgh Steelers lose at home against the Cleveland Browns.

Even if the Raiders lose and Pittsburgh wins, they could qualify if the New York Jets lose to the Oilers at Houston, and the Miami Dolphins lose to the Patriots at New England by at least 17 points more than the Raiders lose to the Broncos.

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As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, 60,200 seats had been sold for Sunday’s game. The Raiders must sell all 67,800 seats by 1. p.m. today to lift the Los Angeles television blackout.

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Pro Bowl update: Defensive lineman Howie Long, offensive lineman Max Montoya and punter Jeff Gossett are first alternates and would make the trip to the Feb. 6 game in Honolulu if someone already voted onto the AFC squad at their positions can’t make it.