Raiders RB Josh Jacobs practices Thursday, Ravens have injury crisis

Las Vegas guard Richie Incognito is still not on practice field, while Ravens worry that both Gus Edwards and Marcus Peters have torn ACLs

While it was expected, it’s heartening to see a key part of the offense on the practice field four days before the season opener.

That was the sensation the Las Vegas Raiders felt Thursday as running back Josh Jacobs was dressed and participating in drills. Jacobs missed practice Monday and Tuesday without any explanation from the team. So, the Raider Nation and NFL fantasy owners got understandably nervous. However, it was reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal Tuesday that Jacobs was expected to practice Thursday.

Perhaps more will be known when Raiders’ coach Jon Gruden addresses the media later and when the injury report (the first of the season) is released later in the day. But barring a setback, it seems likely Jacobs will be ready to have a big role on Monday night when the Raiders host the injury-riddled Baltimore Ravens at Allegiant Stadium.

The news, though, wasn’t as encouraging concerning Las Vegas starting left guard Richie Incognito, who wasn’t practicing Thursday.

Incognito hasn’t practiced in 21 days since hurting his calf in a joint workout with the Los Angeles Rams. If he can’t play, second-year guard John Simpson will likely face the Ravens.

UPDATE: The injury report stated Jacobs was limited with a toe injury, but it is positive news he practiced. Also, backup defensive end Carl Nassib was limited with a pec injury and backup safety Roderic Teamer didn’t work, like Incognito, with shoulder/ankle injuries.

Meanwhile, the Ravens have been devastated by injuries and the shell-shocked team ended practice early after injuries to starting running back Gus Edwards and star cornerback Marcus Peters. The team reportedly fears both players had season-ending ACL tears.

The Ravens have lost running backs J.K. Dobbins, Justice Hill and now Edwards. They are also thin at cornerback. Le’Veon Bell, on Baltimore’s practice squad, will likely have a big role on Monday. This is a real opportunity for the Raiders to take advantage of the Ravens’ misfortune.