Since the early stages of the season, the Oakland Raiders have been missing a big presence on the defensive line.
Defensive tackle Justin "Jelly" Ellis.
The 6'2", 330-pound lineman has been an integral piece for the team the last few years, but he's been sidelined with an injury since Week 2. Fortunately, the big fella seems to be approaching his return to the game action. Wednesday afternoon, Ellis rejoined the team for practice, and he was ecstatic to get back on the field. The Raiders officially designated him to return from the Reserve/Injured list, and the team will have 21 days to determine whether he's healthy enough to return, or if he'll be placed on season-ending IR.
"It was a great feeling [to get back on the field]," Ellis told reporters Thursday. "I was smiling inside, I was working trying to knock the rust off. Inside, seeing my guys happy to have me back was a great feeling."
Ellis' teammates aren't the only people to see him back on the field, so is his defensive coordinator, Paul Guenther.
"He looks good, it'll be great to get him back. We haven't had him since the first ball game, he's a big part of what we're doing here. He practiced yesterday, but he looks good. He feels good, and hopefully he'll be up and running Sunday."
The Louisiana native's status for Sunday is up in the air at the moment, but knowing he's nearing a return to the gridiron is good news for the entirety of the Silver and Black's defense.
The Raiders return to the practice field for a walk through following their win against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11.
Oakland Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Olson and quarterback Derek Carr (4) arrive to the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Clinton McDonald (97) arrives to the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders tackle Justin Murray (71) arrives to the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) arrives to the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) arrives to the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders tight end Lee Smith (86) arrives to the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders punter Johnny Townsend (5) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Jacquies Smith (93) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Marcell Ateman (88) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) and head coach Jon Gruden on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jordy Nelson (82) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders fullback Keith Smith (41) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook (87) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and head coach Jon Gruden on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (55) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (98) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raider wide receiver Keon Hatcher (14) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and head coach Jon Grudenon the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins (90) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett and wide receiver Johnny Holton (16) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Rashaan Melvin (22) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Marcell Ateman (88) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders safety Marcus Gilchrist (31) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders players and coaches on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nick Nelson (23) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders strong safety Karl Joseph (42) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) on the field for practice at Bladium Sports & Fitness, Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Alameda, California.
