Rookie DT Christo Bilukidi has been impressive filling in for injured starter Richard Seymour. (US Presswire)

Rookie defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi is making the most of what has turned out to be a disappointing season for the Raiders.

Bilukidi was on the field for a season-high 37 defensive plays Thursday night against Denver, logging valuable playing time and experience.

"I feel great," Bilukidi said. "I feel like I'm getting better every single week. I feel like the coaches and other players have seen that as well. My body's feeling great, and I'm ready to finish out this season."

Bilukidi's playing time has increased in large part because of a hamstring injury that has sidelined starting defensive tackle Richard Seymour the past five games. But he has also played well enough to impress coach Dennis Allen.

"From where he came from, a sixth-round draft pick out of Georgia State who played in a two-point stance most of the time, he's made a lot of improvement," Allen said. "He's worked extremely hard. Obviously he's played a little bit more than we really would have anticipated, but that's been good for him. It'll be good for him moving forward."

For the season, Bilukidi has nine tackles and one pass defensed. He hopes to keep adding to those numbers the final three weeks of the season and keep impressing his coaches during games and practices.

"Like (defensive end) Andre (Carter) was saying, the eye in the sky don't lie," Bilukidi said. "You're trying to put out there on film your best performance all the time as far as making plays, having great technique, having effort. And people appreciate that, the fans appreciate that. I can tell that the fans appreciate that."

Pryor time? No. 3 quarterback Terrelle Pryor is expected to suit up for the third straight game Sunday against Kansas City, and Allen has repeatedly said he wants to see him play before the season ends. Will this be the game? Pryor said he's not sure.

"It might be a series. It might be one, two plays, maybe none," Pryor said. "I don't know. I'm being honest. I didn't get many reps (in practice). I just don't know exactly what's going to go on, but I'll be prepared. Not turning the ball over will be the biggest thing. Take care of the ball. Ball security. Go out and have fun. I know I'll be a tiny bit nervous. I haven't played in a while."

Branch back to work: Starting strong safety Tyvon Branch (ankle/neck) practiced Friday for the first time this week but was listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision, according to Allen.

"It's feeling good," said Branch, who was limited in practice. "Feeling better. It's one of those things where you just hope it feels great by the time the game comes around."

Branch's streak of 57 starts ended Nov. 18  when a neck injury forced him to miss the New Orleans game. He has started all three games since then. This week, Branch's ankle injury is the main issue.

Seymour watch: Seymour, who re-tweaked his injured hamstring Thursday, missed practice Friday. He was listed as questionable for Sunday and will be a game-time decision. If Seymour can't play, then backup Desmond Bryant will fill in for him again.

No blackout Sunday: The Raiders needed a one-day deadline extension, but they sold enough tickets to avoid a local television blackout of Sunday's home game. They had only one game blacked out this season, Dec. 2 against Cleveland. Last season they had no local television blackouts.

Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter @CBSRaiders.