Oakland Raiders defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. announced on Friday that he has been cleared to play after suffering a neck injury last December.
The announcement was made via Instagram. Edwards twisted his neck while trying to block Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy during a game last December, according to NFL.com. He was placed on injured reserve after that game with what Raiders coach Jack Del Rio called a “significant” neck injury. Over the winter he had his neck examined several times but did not have surgery. The Raiders haven’t confirmed that Edwards has been cleared but they are optimistic that he’ll play this year.
“Just wana give God the glory because it was him and only him. Got the final clearance I needed to return back to the game I love. IM BACK #97,” Edwards wrote.
Edwards was drafted by the Raiders last year. He missed the final two games of the season due to the injury. He had 42 tackles, two sacks and three forced fumbles last season, according to Pro Football Talk. He also had two pass deflections.
The Raiders have re-signed Aldon Smith and Bruce Irvin to their front seven. They drafted defensive linemen Jahid Ward and Shilique Calhoun. They also have Dan Williams, Justin Ellis and Denico Autry.