Mackay is already without defender Lloyd Doyley, while Andreas Weimann and Danny Drinkwater are both looking to shrug off knocks ahead of Saturday's visit of Millwall.
Already this season the likes of defenders Eric Lichaj and Ciaran Clark, midfielders Jonathan Hogg and Barry Bannan and striker Andreas Weimann have had a taste of first-team action.
The home side pressed forward and James did well to hold a powerful header by Graham and a fierce shot from Andi Weimann, while Elliott wasted a chance after a David Clarkson pass.