Raiders RB depth could take a hit before training camp even starts

The Las Vegas Raiders were dealt some bad news about Devontae Booker.

The Las Vegas Raiders were banking on a breakout season from running back DeVontae Booker as they look to have a second consecutive successful campaign running the ball. Before Booker has even played a snap in the silver and black, he’s already been the victim of some more bad luck that threatens his offseason plans.

Jeremy Fowler reported that Booker, who spent the first four seasons of his pro career in the AFC West with the rival Denver Broncos, has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, meaning he has either contracted COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who has.

Devontae Booker is supposed to restart his career in Vegas.

Booker, a former third-round pick out of Utah, burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2016, totaling a hit under 900 yards from scrimmage while scoring five touchdowns. Booker’s status as the lead bad soon degraded, however, as the selection of Royce Freeman and breakout of Philip Lindsay ate into his carries. Booker barely played under Vic Fangio last season in Denver, touching the ball just eight times.

Booker figured to compete for the backup spot behind Josh Jacobs alongside former Kentucky star and offensive weapon Lynn Bowden, as well as longtime Raider Jalen Richard. Bowden will likely be thrust into the fire if Booker is unable to be taken off the list.

The Raiders’ offense is going to be an interesting watch given the studs at several key positions, and the Jacobs-led running game will be a big part of that. While this is certainly not a death knell for Booker or the running game, losing a contributor like this before the seasons starts has to sting a little bit for Jon Gruden and the Raiders.