Print Email Font Resize Font Resize Raiders' McKenzie still uncertain about Mario Edwards' future

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Raiders are continuing to play the waiting game on the significant neck injury suffered by rookie defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. "He's got to have some series of tests in the next month or so," Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said Tuesday. "Once we find out that, we'll have some more answers. But right now, it's still the same. We just don't know." Edwards, the Raiders' second-round pick who was having a strong debut season, was injured Dec. 20 against the Green Bay Packers and missed the final two games. But McKenzie revealed after a Super Bowl week event at the Moscone Center that Edwards' injury -- specifics of which remain unknown or undisclosed -- might have existed for much longer. "I think it's taking time because it's more that he was probably born with it or that he's had, so it's not like something that's happened," McKenzie said. "This is something that is, you could call it genetic or whatever, but he's had since his youth." McKenzie said the issue was discovered after he was hurt against Green Bay and doctors are continuing to see if time will help. He didn't even want to discuss if Edwards' career could be in jeopardy. "I'd guess anything's a possibility, but I'm going to let the doctors fill me in on stuff like that," McKenzie said. "He's a great person, he's a great player. I don't want to even think along those lines right now." Advertisement McKenzie said he had been in contact with Justin Tuck's agent and knew his retirement was a possibility when he informed the team Sunday he planned to hang it up. "He's been a great Raider in the time he spent here so he was truly valuable for what we've been able to do with him and what he's been able to do with our team to help this turnaround," McKenzie said. Tuck was signed two years ago as much for his leadership qualities as his ability on the field. McKenzie said it's now up to the younger players, particularly defensive end Khalil Mack, to fill that void created by Tuck and Charles Woodson's retirements. "My hope is he's left his leadership legacy so to speak with these young guys," McKenzie said. "Now they know. That's what it's all about. You don't have to go around and get a new leader every time. It's time for these guys to take over." Left tackle Donald Penn heads the list of Raiders facing free agency, which also includes backup lineman Khalil Barnes, reserve receiver Rod Streater and punter Marquette King. McKenzie said he's already gone over much of the personnel and informed some of the players what they plan to do. "It's really all about the economics of it," he said. "We've got time." As for the issue of the Raiders' future home, it appears the team will spend another season in Oakland with questions looming about their future destination. McKenzie is hopeful that doesn't negatively impact free agency. "We've got to deal with it and confront it with the player or the agent in that regard," McKenzie said. "Hopefully it's not a major issue. We can still go after and try to put together the best team." The Raiders sent five players to the Pro Bowl. Along with the retiring Woodson, the team's young core of Mack, quarterback Derek Carr, wide receiver Amari Cooper and running back Latavius Murray all participated. McKenzie thinks the experience can help them. "To be around the environment, to be a part of it, to be recognized, that they votes from some of their peers, that's the eye-opening thing for a young guy," he said, "and it's something that hopefully will propel them to continue that." Follow Cam Inman on Twitter at twitter.com/CamInman.



