Oakland Raiders Rookie Gabe Jackson in Knee Brace at Wednesday Practice

Sep 28, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Oakland Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) against Miami Dolphins in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After exiting the game in the fourth quarter of the Oakland Raiders 30-24 loss to the Seattle Seahawks while limping to the bench, outstanding third round guard Gabe Jackson threw his helmet down in anger from leaving the game due to injury. Showing up to Wednesday’s practice with a knee brace while working out on the side of the field it appears that Jackson’s frustrations were about a potential knee injury that may derail a strong rookie season from one of the best rookie guards in the league.

It was reported on Wednesday afternoon that Jackson was not participating in practice and was working with a team trainer with a brace/bandage around his left knee, signalling that the Miss. State product did in fact suffer a knee injury on Sunday after head coach Tony Sparano evaded answers about the injury status of Jackson following the game.

It is a positive sign that Jackson is working with trainers on the field rather than getting tests done with team doctors, but at 0-8 the Raiders may want to be cautious with a player in Jackson who could be a cornerstone of the offensive line for years to come. Knee injuries are a serious issue that can derail the careers of offensive line talents every time they step onto a football field. It would be a huge blow for the future of the franchise if a potentially non-serious knee injury developed into one that puts Jackson on the IR if he is rushed back into action too soon. A stout run blocker, the Raiders will want Jackson back as soon as possible, but making sure he is fully healthy before inserting him back in as a starter should be the number one priority.