Raiders notes: Donald Penn's potential IR return could cause dilemmas

ALAMEDA – Raiders offensive tackle Donald Penn has been on injured reserve since Oct. 3. It will be eight weeks on Wednesday, meaning he’s ever-so -lose to becoming eligible to return.

Just because he can at that point doesn’t mean he will, however. Penn isn’t ready just yet, but coach Jon Gruden has a level of confidence he can return to the active roster at some point this year.

“He has been downstairs rehabbing and we are hoping he can come back and help us,” Gruden said. “I don’t know how close he is officially, but he is making progress. Hope to have him on the field before the season is over.”

There are some pros and cons if the Raiders bring him back. Penn could definitely help at right…