Raiders defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. has been back practicing for two weeks now, steadily progressing towards a return to action.
It's getting closer now, though he isn't expected to come off injured reserve prior to Sunday's game against San Diego.
A Christmas Eve home game against the Colts is now the target for him to come back.
"We’ll get him ready for next week," Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio told reporters after Friday's practice. "There’s always a chance (he could be active on Sunday), but in all likelihood we’ll hold off. I’m giving you more than I really want to give you. The reality is he’s had a good week, and I’d like him to get another good week. He’s getting close.”
Edwards Jr. has been on injured reserve all season, after suffering a hip injury in the preseason opener at Arizona. His rehab has been so, as the second-year pro has been cautious to avoid setbacks.
Edwards Jr. said earlier this week he was doing better and excited about the prospect of playing after such a long layoff. He hasn't played since suffering a neck injury in Week 15 of last season. He missed most of the offseason program recovering from that ailment, but came back for mandatory minicamp in June. He suffered a hand injury in training camp, but recovered in time to play against Arizona. He hurt his hip early in that game.
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The Raiders are a better defensive line with Edwards Jr. healthy. He offers a quality interior pass rush and is a good run stopper inside or off the edge.
He could join a rotation up front in hopes of playing a greater snap count if the Raiders make the playoffs as expected.
