Raiders use last IR-return spot on Penn instead of Lynch
The Oakland Raiders designated offensive tackle Donald Penn as their second - and final - player eligible to return off injured reserve, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
As a result, Marshawn Lynch's season is officially over. The running back was placed on IR in October after suffering a groin injury and was eligible to return on Christmas Eve for the team's Week 16 game against the Denver Broncos.
Lynch is out of contract after signing a two-year deal with Oakland to come out of retirement in 2017, so his NFL future will be one of the major storylines of the Raiders' offseason.
The five-time Pro Bowler rushed for 376 yards and three touchdowns before his injury.
Penn has been out since Week 4 with a leg injury and will presumably take back his role opposite rookie left tackle Kolton Miller.