Raiders OG Gabe Jackson injured his left MCL during Thursday’s joint session practice with the Los Angeles Rams. Vic Tafur of the Athletic was the first to break the news on Jackson’s return timetable.
Raiders News: Don’t Panic, Raider Nation… Yet
It would be easy to start the “woe is me”, crying and feeling sorry for your team routine. The reality is this is good news, at least given the circumstances. The time frame given for injury recovery would suggest a grade 2-3 tear. The beauty of this timing puts an optimistic return for Jackson in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears in London. Now I would be remiss if I also didn’t mention that there is a real possibility that the team decides to send him to IR and clear up the roster space.
The Oakland Raiders definitely have some decisions to make in terms of how they proceed from here. Will they ride with the depth or look to trade/sign a player off the street?
When will business be boomin’?
Next order of business, what in tarnation is the story with Antonio Brown? Reports out of Pittsburgh (credible, right?) is that Brown has gone dark on the Raiders and they don’t know where he is. Michael Gehlken, the Las Vegas Review Journal beat writer, has since reported that this is inaccurate and that one of the primary issues for Brown’s absence is actually an active grievance over the NFL helmet policy.
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We all have our preferences, but we all have to follow rules in our respective places of business. It is bizarre to everyone not named AB, he is fighting so hard for the right to wear his helmet. The main issue everyone has been concerned about however is AB’s feet.
https://twitter.com/ABfeet2019/status/1159904336270581761?s=19
Gehlken also reported the Raiders expect AB back at practice soon, and made it a point to note practice resumed on Monday and Tuesday.
Final Thoughts
The fact of the matter is this, the first two weeks of the season are going to be a test of organizational resiliency. Richie Incognito is on suspension until Week 2, and backup guard Denzelle Good is fighting to be ready for the season opener. The depth of the position will be tested if they opt not to add to it.
AB’s absence is causing quite a stir and dramatic productions. All of a sudden a man who has been training the skin off of his feet, is causing problems with his health. The foot issue may soon be coming to an end, now there are talks about retiring over a league policy grievance.
From yesterday's "Random" #Raiders camp report…@AB84's dissatisfaction with new helmets note at bottom. pic.twitter.com/R2CGk1GdQZ
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) August 9, 2019
Funny thing is he’s being singled out when in fact, reports were he was one of a handful of players to change helmets this season.