Raiders expect CB Mike Jenkins to be active vs. Cowboys
By Josh Sanchez
The Oakland Raiders lost cornerback Mike Jenkins and tight end Mychal Rivera during the team’s Week 12 match up against the Tennessee Titans, but they are expected to be able to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day despite the short rest.
"Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (concussion) is in line to play Thursday against Dallas. He passed through most of the NFL’s concussion protocol without incident, and is expected to pass a final test before being cleared for contact."
For Jenkins, it means that he should be active when he takes the field against his former team for the first time in a regular season game. Dallas selected Jenkins in the first-round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
It is a bit surprising that Jenkins and Rivera will be able to pass through the NFL’s concussion protocol and receive clearance from an independent neurologist on such short notice, but the players have already been practicing on a limited basis.
You can hope that no shortcuts are being taken to get the two men ready, especially considering the emphasis the NFL has put on player safety and concussions.