Oct 14, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end David Ausberry (86) gets extra yards after getting past a Atlanta Falcons defender during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports
Where is He?
Right now, the Raiders have tight ends in for run-blocking as well as lineman lining up there while Mychal Rivera comes in on passing downs. It would be nice to have the same guy in on running downs and passing downs to not give the play away. Tight end David Ausberry is that guy and he has won the Raiders’ starting tight end job for two years in a row but doesn’t have one start.
Injuries have been the problem but he’s been back for a couple of weeks now and they’re using him on special teams. Rivera is supposed to be team’s pass-catching tight end but he’s done nothing to warrant that as he gives Carr a 43.8 quarterback rating when throwing his way. He also hasn’t helped his case with the drops he’s had this preseason and early on this regular season.
Ausberry can play on running downs so he can use his 4.4 speed to blow past linebackers and safeties biting on play-action. The converted receiver also gives Carr the mismatch he needs to be the security blanket a tight end is supposed to be too. Every great offense has a tight end that can get down the field and make catches so Ausberry has too much value to not be in there.