The Oakland Raiders put promising rookie Mario Edwards on the injured reserve with a "significant" neck injury, coach Jack Del Rio announced Wednesday.
Del Rio told reporters the team isn't sure yet if Edwards will need surgery. A source told ESPN the current hope is the injury is a neck sprain.
Edwards departed in the first quarter of Oakland's loss to the Green Bay Packers. He left the field under his own power.
Edwards, a defensive end from Florida State, was the No. 35 overall pick in this year's draft and has become a big part of Oakland's defense, having 42 tackles and two sacks in 10 starts this season. The Raiders promoted linebacker John Lotulelei from the practice squad to take Edwards' place.
Meanwhile, starting safety Nate Allen will miss his third straight game with a knee injury on Thursday night against the visiting San Diego Chargers. Taylor Mays will continue to get most of Allen's playing time.
