Five things we learned about Raiders coming off bye, starting with Gabe Jackson’s return
The Raiders are getting some roster help coming off the bye week, the most notable the return of guard Gabe Jackson from an MCL strain.
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.”
The Raiders never placed Jackson on injured reserve, and he’s attended all meetings and said he’s remained engaged mentally. Gruden said last week Jackson looks to be in the best shape of his life.
Even without Jackson, the offensive line has been one of the strengths of a 3-2 Raiders team that’s even with Kansas City in the loss column in the AFC West. Jackson believes the Raiders could be as good up front as the 2016 team that went 12-4 in part because of a powerful offensive line.
Can the Raiders be the equal of the 2016 unit?
“I feel that we can be better,” Jackson said. ” Everybody just stick to it and stay the course and keep grinding out.”
2. Johnson could help at cornerback, but not right away
Raiders fourth-round draft pick Isaiah Johnson broke a bone in his face during the exhibition season and after making the initial 53-man roster, was placed on injured reserve. League rules allow two players per season to come off IR and be “designated for return.”
But while Johnson is back at practice, he can’t play in a game until after Week 8 — and that means he won’t be eligible to face either the Packers or Houston Texans on Oct. 27.
Johnson said he didn’t feel rusty at all after not setting foot on the field in a regular season practice, in part by watching how his teammates operate.
“Once you learn how to be a pro, you keep watching the film, you start applying it to yourself and when you come back you know how to use that,” Johnson said. “I kind of felt like that today. I was using stuff I learned over the last six week period I haven’t been playing.”
When Johnson does return, he’ll give the Raiders the flexibility to move Daryl Worley to a hybrid position, which Gruden said last week was a plan.
3. Zay Jones is playing catch-up
Jones, acquired last week for a 2021 fifth-round draft pick from Buffalo, had couple of crash-course sessions with coach Jon Gruden last week to get familiarized with a new offensive system after playing two years and change with the Bills.
“We hit the playbook pretty hard, going over everything, trying to get me up to speed,” Jones said. “The offense is very complex as far as what goes in to it. Guys have been here since training camp and I’ve been here only a few days so I’m trying to catch up to the pace that they’re at.”
It’s similar to the cramming Trevor Davis did after arriving from the Packers in-season. Wide receiver has been a revolving door since Gruden arrived last season, with 13 different starters in 18 games.
Jones, who had 57 receptions last season, isn’t sure why he was de-emphasized but was caught off-guard by the trade.
“I was shocked. I didn’t know it was coming. I didn’t know what was happening,” Jones said. “I didn’t ask to be out of Buffalo, but it’s something that transpired. That’s the nature of the business. I wish those guys the best but I’m ahpppy to be in this locker room and be wanted by this organization.”
One sign that wasn’t good for the Raiders — Tyrell Williams (foot) remains a spectator after not practicing all week in London, sitting out the Bears game and rehabbing during the bye week.
Raiders WR still not practicing as bye week concludes pic.twitter.com/8u3MUBlVFN
— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) October 14, 2019
4. Ferrell back in action
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell, who missed the Bears game while under concussion protocol, was back at practice and expected to be available to face the Packers this season.
Ferrell, the No. 4 overall pick in the draft out of Clemson, started the first four games of the season. While Gruden and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther insist they’re pleased with Ferrell’s progress, impact plays from the rookie have been few and far between.
His return means the Raiders can spell Maxx Crosby, the fourth-round pick out of Eastern Michigan, more often. Crosby played 57 of 58 snaps against the Bears, in part because the Raiders defense was on the field for only 15 snaps in the first half. The Raiders also will be without Arden Key for as much as a few weeks with a knee injury incurred against the Bears that had no structural damage.
5. Practice squad moves
The Raiders signed Anthony Williams-Ratliff to the practice squad (yes, another wide receiver) as well as running back James Butler. Butler played for the Raiders during the exhibition season. To make room for Butler, running back Damerea Crockett was released.
Williams-Ratliff assumes the spot of Marcell Ateman, who was promoted in the wake of the Raiders’ release of J.J. Nelson.
Williams-Ratliff played in college at North Carolina, where he was recruited as a quarterback but became a wide receiver and a return specialist.
SEASON PASS DIGITAL OFFER
If you have not already, we strongly encourage you to sign up for a digital subscription, which gives you access to all content on the Mercury News and East Bay Times websites. With your support, we can continue bringing these stories — and much more — to your screens. Here’s where to sign up for the season pass: Mercury News, East Bay Times.