Josh Jacobs Injury Update Could Open Bigger Role for Kenyan Drake with Raiders UPDATE: Jacobs Questionable
By Peter Dewey
UPDATE: Josh Jacobs was downgraded to questionable for Monday night's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.
#Raiders RB Josh Jacobs (illness) has been downgraded to questionable for tomorrow’s game vs. Baltimore.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 12, 2021
What follows is the initial report on how Jacobs' injury could change the workload in the Raiders' backfield between him and Kenyan Drake.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs returned to Thursday’s practice in a limited capacity, but the Raiders’ recent moves show that there may be some concern surrounding the former first-round pick.
#Raiders first 2021 injury report: DNP G Richie Incognito (calf), S Roderic Teamer (shoulder/ankle). Limited: RB Josh Jacobs (toe), DE Carl Nassib (Pec) pic.twitter.com/OpPR0PKyYS
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) September 9, 2021
Jacobs appeared in 15 games last season, making his first Pro Bowl, and rushing for 1,065 yards and 12 touchdowns.
However, Las Vegas signed Kenyan Drake in free agency and recently brought in running back Peyton Barber. If Jacobs’ toe injury persists, it seems like Drake could have a bigger role in the team’s offense.
Josh Jacobs didn’t practice yesterday or today (granted the Raiders play Monday night, but still, it’s Week 1)
— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) September 7, 2021
The Raiders just signed Peyton Barber
The Raiders just brought Kerryon Johnson in for a workout
The Raiders already have Kenyan Drake
What is going on with Jacobs ⁉️
The Raiders face the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football in Week 1, and while WynnBET hasn’t released player props for the game just yet, Vegas is a four-point home underdog.
The Ravens have won their last three Week 1 games by more than 30 points, which is a bad sign for the Raiders, especially if they aren’t getting Jacobs at full strength.
It’s possible the team is trying to give its top back some rest early in the season in practice, but the Raiders signaled that his role would be reduced in 2021 by bringing in Drake. Last season, Jacobs lost carries in a few games to Devontae Booker down the stretch of the season, and it’s possible he finds himself in a timeshare in Week 1.
Drake ran for 955 yards and 10 scores in a timeshare with Chase Edmonds last season in Arizona, and it’s possible that Jon Gruden views him as a perfect complement to Jacobs.
However, Drake has been a starter the past two seasons and averaged 4.5 yards per carry for his career while Jacobs averaged just 3.9 last season. With a revamped offensive line in Oakland, it will be interesting to see which back succeeds early on in the 2021 season.
Jacobs could still come out of the season as the backfield’s leader, but an early injury doesn’t bode well for his chances of taking the job outright from Drake.
Who's your pick to take Monday night's matchup? Get in the action on the WynnBET app.