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Gabe Jackson will not be back this week as Raiders prepare to face Colts, figures to be on schedule to return next week

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Oakland Raiders v Philadelphia Eagles Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Sometimes timetables are bang on accurate. When Gabe Jackson went down with a torn MCL six weeks ago, his timetable for return was set at week five. There was some thought that maybe with his progress from the injury he might be able to return a week earlier, but that will not happen.

“I don’t think he’ll practice,” Gruden said of Jackson’s status this week as the team prepares for the Colts. “I think he’s continuing to make huge strides. Wednesday we’ll get an evaluation from [Head trainer H] Rod [Martin] and perhaps next week prior to the Bears game he can start practicing, but he’s getting very close.”

Over the first two games it was Denzelle Good who stepped in at right guard for Jackson, but with Good suffereing an ankle injury in practice Friday, it was Jordan Devey who moved over to right guard after having started the first two games at left guard. Should Good still not be full go, or if Gruden liked what Devey did at the spot better, he will start again this Sunday in Indianapolis.

Jackson will travel with the team to Indianapolis as they will be heading straight from there to London to spend the week there preparing to face the Bears. If Jackson is able to return for that game, and providing Trent Brown can return full from his ankle and knee injuries, the Raiders would have their full starting offensive line for the first time this season

“We’re anxious to get Gabe back as our right guard,” Gruden continued. “Incognito had some good moments yesterday for his first appearance in over a year. But when we can get our guards back and be at full strength up front, hopefully Trent’s ready to go, we’ll really like our line.”

They will need to be full strength against a stout Chicago defensive front.