Marcel Reece not getting handoffs in new offense

Last season saw Oakland Raiders fan favorite and Pro Bowl fullback Marcel Reece get the most running back touches of his career as after interim head coach Tony Sparano took over the versatile offensive weapon began getting more carries as a tailback. A move that was out of necessity as the Raiders running back depth was more than lacking behind Latavius Murray and Darren McFadden last season.

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With Reece getting touches at running back and doing well when given looks last season, the question was asked if the new coaching staff in Oakland would look at even more of a role for the often underutilized player at the position in an attempt to get increased production out of the veteran. An angle that got even more buzz when offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave and his power running background was hired by Jack Del Rio.

However, it appears that Reece won’t be considered for a similar depth role at running back in addition to his fullback duties as the new coaching staff have yet to prioritize the Pro Bowl talent during training camp and the preseason. Reece reportedly getting zero running back carries during training camp in Napa according to San Francisco Chronicle beat writer Vic Tafur. Not taking a single handoff in the entire camp, Reece appears to be unlikely to feature as a runner at all according to a tweet from Tafur on the final day of practices in Napa for 2015.

Wouldn't factor in FB Marcel Reece when you're doing your RB depth chart at home: he hasn't taken one handoff in Napa. #Raiders
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 20, 2015

It remains to be seen what type of role fullbacks will have in Musgrave’s new offense, but Reece’s status with the fans and his talent will have people watching how a new coaching staff fit a player who has always been in need of more touches into the playcalling. Reece has never quite reached the heights that those in Raider Nation believe he can reach, and the playcalling of Greg Olson was often the source of blame for that. A constant complaint that may not change under Musgrave based on the most recent reports surrounding Reece’s role in the offense.

Now with a new coaching staff a similar issue could happen as with designed runs looking off of the table after 2015 camp, Reece could just be getting further phased out even if fans still hold out hope the consistent Pro Bowler could one day breakout if given the opportunity from the playcaller in charge. Reece’s versatility has never translated into consistent production, and if the current trend continues we may never see what the longtime Raiders fullback could do if given a focused role by an offensive coordinator.

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