ALAMEDA -– Raiders left guard Gabe Jackson was limited in practice last week, and spent most of his time working on the scout team. That changed some on Wednesday, an indication that he could return from a three-game absence and play Sunday against the St. Louis Rams.
Nothing is certain at this point, but increased first-team activity is a step in the right direction.
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Interim head coach Tony Sparano indicated last week that, if Jackson has fully recovered from a knee strain, he’ll go back into the starting lineup. The rookie third-round draft pick has made eight starts this season.
Sparano said he rotated in with the first team, and that Wednesday’s practice would be a litmus test of his game preparedness.
“He took work, rotated a little bit in and out,” Sparano said. “I just need to see him -– again, like I said, you need to see him move at a faster pace and today was a fast-paced practice. The guys were moving pretty fast, at a good tempo, and Gabe was in and out of there. I thought today was a good gauge. We’ll get a chance to watch it on film, see how he moved and see how he feels tomorrow when he comes in here.”
Other Raiders injury notes:
-- Running back Latavius Murray (concussion) returned to practice. He has not been cleared to play.
-- Cornerback TJ Carrie was limited with an ankle injury, but continues to make strides and has a realistic chance to play against St. Louis
-- Cornerback Carlos Rogers (knee) continued to do side work with a trainer, but hasn’t practiced in a long time.
-- Receiver Rod Streater continues to run and cut at full speed, and has shown burst required to play his position.
-- Tight end David Ausberry (foot) was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Participation report
Did not practice: CB Carlos Rogers (knee), S Jonathan Dowling (back), CB Neiko Thorpe (hand)
Limited participation: CB TJ Carrie (ankle), LG Gabe Jackson (knee), QB Derek Carr (quadriceps), S Larry Asante (shoulder), RB Latavius Murray (concussion)
Full participation: TE Brian Leonhardt (concussion)
Injured reserve: TE David Ausberry (foot), TE Nick Kasa (knee), CB Taiwan Jones (foot), SS Tyvon Branch (foot), MLB Nick Roach (concussion), LB Kaluka Maiava (hamstring), DE LaMarr Woodley (biceps), S Usama Young (knee)
