Mario Edwards is back.
The Raiders defensive end announced Friday that he received "final clearance" to resume his career after suffering a season-ending neck injury last December. Edwards shared the news on his Instagram account:
The Raiders have yet to confirm the same for Edwards, but general manager Reggie McKenzie told reporters in March that the lineman was "doing great," while coach Jack Del Rio said the team was "optimistic" Edwards would play in 2016.
Edwards first twisted his neck while shedding a block on an Eddie Lacy run in a Week 15 tilt against the Packers. The injury cut short a promising rookie campaign that saw the second-rounder net two sacks and bloom down the stretch as a dangerous compliment to All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack.
On a Raiders team stuffed with fascinating young talent, a healthy Edwards would only add to a growing sense of optimism in Oakland.
