It’s been five weeks since the Raiders placed Nate Hobbs on injured reserve with a broken hand. The Raiders have played four games in that time which is the minimum a player can miss who is placed on injured reserve. So, this week would be the first opportunity Hobbs has to be designated for return.
Right on schedule, Hobbs returned to practice today and was officially designated for return from IR.
That means he is eligible to play this Sunday against the Seahawks, but if the team feels like he needs more time, they have a three-week window in which to activate him.
No question the Raiders defense needs Hobbs in the lineup. He is their best defensive back, both in coverage and in run support.
In his absence, the team has rotated several cornerbacks through the lineup, many of whom were recently signed and elevated from the practice squad. The defense has struggled to stop opponents in part because of the issues in the secondary.
