ALAMEDA -- Raiders running back Josh Jacobs was cleared to practice Wednesday, but coach Jon Gruden couldn’t guarantee the rookie would play in Sunday’s Oakland Coliseum finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jacobs had things to prove to both trainers and coaches during the practice week to gain final clearance. It seems it could be coming soon.
Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Olson said Jacobs looked great in his return to work after missing last week’s loss to the Tennessee Titans with a fractured shoulder suffered in Week 7.
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“He looked great,” Olson said. “He’s been a pro, and obviously he’s shown that he can play with injuries. He’s had different nagging injuries throughout the season, but he’s a tough player, and again, that’s a part of the reason why we drafted him. ...
"We just feel good about him right now.”
The Raiders got another valued rookie back on the practice field, with wide receiver Hunter Renfrow working for the first time since injuring his ribs and lung in an away loss to the New York Jets.
That doesn’t mean he’ll be ready to go right away. A Week 16 meeting with the L.A. Chargers previously was designated as a return target and still might be the case after limited work Thursday.
NFL
“He was able to go through individuals today and routes,” Olson said. “Just no contact, but he looked great, so it’s good to have him out on the field. Brought a little juice to the offense. They’re excited to see him out there.”
[RELATED: How Guden's bond with Coliseum runs deep]
Right guard Gabe Jackson was a non-participant in Thursday’s work as he continues to battle through a knee injury that has negatively impacted consistently solid play. Right tackle Trent Brown remains out with a pectoral injury, without much to suggest he’ll be ready to play Sunday.
Brandon Parker will play for Brown, and Denzelle Good will step in if Jackson can’t go.
Raiders practice report
THURSDAY
Did not practice
OT Trent Brown (pectoral)
LB Kyle Wilber (ankle)
RG Gabe Jackson (knee)
CB Daryl Worley (neck)
LB Marquel Lee (toe)
Limited practice
WR Hunter Renfrow (rib)
RB Josh Jacobs (shoulder)
C Rodney Hudson (ankle)
CB Lamarcus Joyner (hamstring)
WR Marcell Ateman (ribs)
S Erik Harris (hamstring)