Defensive End Mario Edwards Jr. and Tight End Gabe Holmes
Head Coach Jack Del Rio admittedly doesn't like to discuss injuries, particularly during the preseason, but following Monday's practice, he did address the futures of a pair of players who were injured during the team's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
"[Defensive end] Mario [Edwards] is going to be out a few weeks, that's unfortunate," said Coach Del Rio. "He will return and is not going to require surgery. He's going to be out, so that's that. [Tight end] Gabe [Holmes] had a pretty significant high ankle sprain; I think there was a break of one of the small bones in there as well. I would anticipate he'll end up going on [Injured Reserve]. The rest of the guys are working hard to return, and should return. Mario's going to be out a while and Gabe is likely to head toward IR."
It's a case of good news, bad news for Edwards, as the fact that he doesn't need surgery is fortunate for him, and should cut down his rehab time. However, having the second-year defensive end now miss a majority of the preseason is far from ideal for both he and the team.
As far as Holmes goes, unfortunately, his injury will now force him to miss the entire 2016 season, which is a tough break for the imposing tight end after he had put together a quality training camp.
In the interim, expect defensive lineman Denico Autry to step up and fill the void left by Edwards, and for tight ends Ryan O'Malley and Colton Underwood to see more time in the remaining three preseason matchups.
In other news, the Raiders also waived rookie offensive lineman Torian White.
