Raiders get great injury update on Josh Jacobs before MNF vs. Ravens
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is reportedly feeling better and is expected to play in a MNF match versus the Baltimore Ravens.
Less than 24 hours ago, star Raiders running back Josh Jacobs was downgraded to questionable for his NFL Week 1 debut — and he’s already bounced back much sooner than expected.
Adam Schefter reports that despite last night’s status update, Jacobs walked through today’s morning practice and is “feeling better.” Better enough, it’s presumed, to suit up in the Monday Night Football season opener versus the Baltimore Ravens.
Raiders’ RB Josh Jacobs, who was downgraded this weekend, went through his team’s walk-through practice this morning and is feeling better, which puts him on track to play tonight vs. the Ravens, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2021
Jacobs’ starting status has been under speculation for some time, as the third-year Raiders running back missed practice due to a foot injury last week. After he was taken off the injury report late last week, he was downgraded last night due to the undisclosed, non-COVID illness.
If he enters the Monday night matchup fully healthy, Jacobs is expected to pick up where he left off last season. In 2020, rushed for 1,065 yards, which gave him 1000+ yards in both of his NFL seasons. Over two years, Jacobs has averaged 79.1 rushing yards per game and 4.3 yards per carry. An invaluable part of the Raiders offense, Jacobs also nabs a few passes per game, averaging 7.6 yards per reception and 14.4 yards per game.
Raiders: Josh Jacobs expected to play on MNF
Keeping Jacobs healthy is something that head coach Jon Gruden had in mind when he signed former Arizona Cardinals running back Kenyan Drake to the roster in May of this year. As Gruden explained, alternating amongst his running backs could reduce injury risk, allowing the Raiders to use all run threats at their disposal throughout the season.
“This past year, Josh went down and Devontae Booker got 110 touches. So we’re going to try to circulate the touches Kenyan Drake’s way.”
Gruden remained adamant that Jacobs was the undisputed starter, stating that Jacobs is not just a Pro Bowl player but an “MVP-caliber back.”
“We’d like to see him (Jacobs) get more and more real estate,” Gruden said back in May.
If Jacobs plays limited snaps tonight or doesn’t play at all, both Drake and Peyton Barber are expected to run against the Ravens.
dark. Next. Raiders’ 2020 draft class has chance to be historically embarrassing