Raiders defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. suffered a neck injury late in the 2015 season. Head coach Jack Del Rio called it “significant,” and placed the rookie second-round pick on injured reserve just before Christmas.
He said then the Raiders were “hoping for the best,” and were still gathering information about how best to proceed.
A few weeks later, that’s all we know.
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Del Rio wouldn’t elaborate during his postseason press conference. Del Rio was asked whether the injury could keep him out next season, and didn’t have a concrete answer.
“I hope not,” Del Rio said. “Until I find out for sure what’s going on, I just don’t want to play the speculation game.”
We’ve heard some snippets of optimism thus far. Teammates expect Edwards Jr. back. Edwards Jr.’s camp said Thursday he’s doing fine.
Edwards Jr.’s only comments since the injury came via Instagram a few weeks ago, when he posted a photo of himself sporting a neck brace, with a caption that said, “Can’t hold be down for long … as long as I got God & family I can’t go wrong. Minor set back for MAJOR comeback. Believe that.”
NFL
Edwards Jr. made a significant impact as a defensive end and interior pass rusher in his first season, with 42 tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks, two quarterback hits and 25 hurries. He flourished in an expanded role after Justin Tuck got hurt and Aldon Smith was suspended, and is considered a foundation piece of this defense.
Edwards Jr. kept weight under control and learned how to practice professionally during the season, which allowed him to excel at the NFL level.
The neck injury was his setback, one the team hopes doesn’t keep him out long.
A photo posted by Mario Edwards Jr (@97_rio) on Dec 24, 2015 at 5:56pm PST