ALAMEDA – Donald Penn was designated to return off injured reserve a few weeks back. That doesn’t mean he will.
The offensive lineman has been practicing since Dec. 5, meaning his three-week window closes before long. The Raiders have to make a decision on whether to add him to the 53-man roster, or revert him back to injured reserve.
Option B doesn’t happen much. NFL teams can designate just two players to return to practice, so they make darn sure their choices can help the team on game day.
The Raiders didn’t have another option – running back Marshawn Lynch wasn’t going to be healthy enough to return after suffering a groin injury in Week 6 – and gave Penn a chance to work again this season.