Raiders DE Mario Edwards says he has been cleared to play

May 6, 2016 - 9:32 PM ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. says he has been cleared to play again after being sidelined last season by a neck injury.

Edwards said Friday on his verified Instagram account that he has been given final clearance to return to play.

Edwards was placed on injured reserve last December with what coach Jack Del Rio described as a ''significant'' neck injury. The Raiders have given few details of the injury since then other than general manager Reggie McKenzie saying the injury revealed a previously existing issue.

Edwards had 2 1/2 sacks in 14 games last season and is a key part of Oakland's stout front seven.

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