Oakland Raiders Rumors: Gabe Jackson played season with torn pectoral

The next time you complain about some knee pain or a slight headache, remember that Oakland Raiders guard Gabe Jackson played nearly an entire NFL season with a torn pectoral.

Pain is part of playing in the NFL.Heck, any athlete at any level knows that competing comes with its fair share of bumps and bruises. Rumor has it, though, that Oakland Raiders guard Gabe Jackson took playing through pain to a whole new level during the 2018 season.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Michael Gehlken, Jackson played most of the Raiders’ current campaign with a partially torn pectoral muscle. The injury allegedly occurred during Oakland’s Sep. 10 season opener against the Los Angeles Rams when Jackson was waging war -with former Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.

Did he pull himself out of the game and call it a season? Nope. He kept battling.

Then, on Dec. 9, Jackson fractured his elbow against the Pittsburgh Steelers. That didn’t keep him from returning to the field, although at that point, we’d all understand if he decided to plant his derriere firmly on the bench.

Either way, Jackson is now on Injured Reserve. That’ll give him until the start of OTAs to rest and heal, with the hope that he’ll return ready to go for what we can only hope will be a better 2019 season. For the time being, he’s more than content with his decision to grin and bear what could only have been a painful few months.

"More from Las Vegas Raiders NewsRaiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performanceRaiders: Bryan Edwards out, Henry Ruggs doubtful for SundayRaiders: Damon Arnette re-injures thumb, could be headed to IRRaiders fall short in letdown Week 3 loss to the New England PatriotsRaiders: Game breakdown and prediction for Week 3 at New England PatriotsThose are the things you look back on years later, like, ‘I was a part of some fighters.’ It doesn’t feel good right in the moment, but it’s always something you can remember, especially knowing that you battled and fought with your brothers and people that you love. Those things, you can go back, and it’s always a better feeling… than stepping back and not giving it your all and regret. That’s what you’d have later. That’s one thing I don’t want to have when I leave this game."

You sure did battle, Gabe. You battled through 13 games, giving your all despite the Raiders’ demoralizing performance this season. Regardless of all the drama and skepticism surrounding this franchise, it’s inspiring to see such a glory-less position being played with such passion and determination.

Then again, it’s not like it should come as any real surprise given what Jackson has done since the Raiders made him a third-round pick back in 2014. During the last four years, he’s asserted himself as one of the NFL’s most underrated interior blockers. Although he has no Pro Bowls or All-Pro selections to his name, Silver and Black fans know what he brings to the table.

Now, it’s all the more clear that he’s willing to sell out for his team. As long as Jackson is on the roster, there’s a semblance of hope for a brighter future.