The Raiders placed defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. on injured reserve, the team announced on Monday afternoon.
That’s a significant blow for the defensive front, even if Edwards Jr. won’t be gone all year.
The second-year pro will miss eight games at minimum if, as expected, the Raiders make him their one player allowed to return off injured reserve.
A player must be on the original 53-man roster to be eligible to return. Edwards Jr. crossed that bridge on Saturday, when rosters were trimmed to the regular-season limit.
A player must then be on IR for six weeks before he is allowed to practice and must be on IR eight full weeks before he can be activated to play.
He would be eligible to play for the Nov. 6 home game against Denver in Week 9. The Raiders have a bye week after that.
Edwards Jr. suffered a hip strain in the preseason opener at Arizona, and the Raiders were initially relieved the injury wasn’t worse. Some reports said Edwards Jr. would miss 4-6 weeks, though recovery has been tough sledding and extra time is needed to fully heal.
Edwards Jr.’s absence leaves a void up front. He was a versatile piece who could play several techniques, including 3-4 defensive end, tackle in sub packages and a stand-up edge rusher. The Raiders planned to move him around a lot, making their front unpredictable and tough to block.
The Raiders have options to replace him. Denico Autry and undrafted rookie Darius Latham should see more snaps. Jihad Ward could move to Edwards Jr.’s position, or with Dan Williams and Justin Ellis playing side by side on the interior.
Edwards Jr. has dealt with injuries early in his career. He suffered a significant neck injury late last year, and wasn’t cleared for full contact until the spring. He worked back to 100 percent when he strained his hip against the Cardinals.
The Raiders have not signed another player as a corresponding move.
The Raiders signed defensive end Jason Fanaika and linebacker Curtis Grant to the practice squad. They have now reached the 10-man practice squad limit.
