Some things we learned about Raiders coming off bye
ALAMEDA – The Raiders picked up some reinforcements Monday returning from a week off during their bye week.
Foremost among them was veteran right guard Gabe Jackson, out since an MCL strain on Aug. 8, the second day of practices against the Los Angeles Rams during training camp in Napa.
Jackson’s return heads the five most significant developments coming off the bye:
1. Is offensive line finally at full strength?
Jackson, along with center Rodney Hudson, were the two proven anchors to the Raiders offensive line going in to the season. After Jackson was injured, the Raiders went five games without the man they were eager to see paired with free agent tackle Trent Brown on the right side of the offensive line.
If all goes according to plan, it would be Kolton Miller and Richie Incognito on the left side, Hudson in the middle and 715 pounds of Jackson and Brown on the right.
Brown and Jackson can do more than throw their weight around. They’re agile and technically sound, and the thought of running Josh Jacobs with Alec Ingold as a lead blocker is an appealing one.
Jackson said he plan is to play against Green Bay, but that’s the player talking and not the coaching or medical staff. If Jackson can’t go against the Packers, then Houston on Oct. 27 is in play.
“I’m excited to be back with my brothers,” Jackson said. “It’s been too long.”
2. Johnson could help at cornerback, but not right away.
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