Gabe Jackson returns from injury, restoring Raiders offensive line to full strength against Packers

With the bye week behind them, the Raiders hit the practice field Monday to start their preparation for the Green Bay Packers. Taking the field with his Raiders teammates for the first time this season was Gabe Jackson according to media in attendance at Monday’s practice.

This was the target week for Jackson to return to the lineup. The 7th year guard suffered a torn MCL in training camp while the Raiders were scrimmaging with the Rams prior to their first preseason game. There was at one point some optimism he could return for their week five game against the Bears in London, but the decision was made to keep him in Oakland and have him ready after the bye.

His return brings the Raiders’ offensive line to full strength for the first time this season. The first two games had reserves at both guard positions while Richie Incognito served a 2-game suspension. One Incognito returned, it was Jordan Devey at right guard and the past two games it has been Denzelle Good.

Now with Jackson back in the lineup, the line will figure to be all five planned starters with LT Kolton Miller, LG Incognito, C Rodney Hudson, RG Jackson, and RT Trent Brown. The group performed admirably without Jackson in a big win against the Bears a little over a week ago. They should be even better with him in the lineup.

Jackson was never placed on injured reserve in the hopes he could return prior to midseason. He beats it by two games.