Mario Edwards Jr. One Week Away From Return

The improving Oakland Raiders defense will improve even more soon. Defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. is set to return in Week 16 vs the Indianapolis Colts.

Raider Nation has been impatiently awaiting the return of Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. He’s been out since sustaining a hip injury in a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. And he was recently designated to return from IR.

From that point, the Raiders have 21 days  to activate Edwards or put him back on IR. He made it through this week of practice but needs another week to be ready to play. Edwards last played in a regular season game Dec. 20 of 2015 vs the Green Bay Packers.

Head coach Jack Del Rio said per the San Jose Mercury News Friday, “We’ll get him ready for next week. I mean, there’s always a chance, but in all likelihood, we’ll hold off. The reality is he’s had a good week and I’d like him to get another week. He’s getting close.”

That’s smart thinking as the Raiders likely won’t need him to beat the San Diego Chargers Sunday. Then in Week 16, against the Indianapolis Colts, Edwards will get a chance to get his feet wet. That sets the Raiders up to have all hands on deck against the Denver Broncos.

That is if Aldon Smith is reinstated by then but that’s another article to write. Either way, this is good news as Edwards’ presence is extremely beneficial to star edge-rusher Khalil Mack. The Raiders are starting to load up of for their first playoff push in 14 years!