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Oakland Raiders Preseason Week 3: Winners and Losers

By Matthew Lorscheider

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August 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Trent Richardson (33) runs with the ball against Arizona Cardinals linebacker Gabe Martin (50) during the third quarter in a preseason NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Loser: Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson was the Raiders leading rusher last night, carrying the ball 5 times for 19 yards, including one exciting 15-yard run. The Raiders could not run the ball at all last night, especially against the tough Cardinals starting defense. Latavius Murray had 1 yard on 7 carries (he had one 13 yard carry and averaged -2 yards per carry on six other carries). The second-leading rusher for the team was Christian Ponder, who got 12 yards on one carry.

So how is Richardson the loser? Because even in an abysmal running performance it was clear that Richardson is the odd man out on this roster. Multiple offensive sets involved Taiwan Jones and Marcel Reece as “move” backs who motioned out wide. Murray looks entrenched as the feature guy. Roy Helu finally got onto the field and did a few things, carrying the ball 4 times for 8 yards and catching 2 passes for 14 yards.

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The Trent Richardson comps for Najee Harris aren't totally unwarranted
The Trent Richardson comps for Najee Harris aren't totally unwarranted /

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    • Meanwhile, Richardson got on the field mostly with the second and third unit, rather than as a change of pace behind Latavius Murray. While Richardson certainly got involved – he also caught three passes – he didn’t impress with the ball in his hands: he had five yards total on those three receptions. He finished with eight touches and 24 yards, about typical for Trent Richardson.

    Richardson may be cut tonight, especially if the Raiders want to kick the tires on the recently-released Fred Jackson or another running back who may become available in the next 24 hours. But even if the Raiders are fine with just Murray, Helu, Jones and Dyer, there seems to be no room for Richardson anywhere on this Raiders roster.

    Next: Winner: Amari Cooper

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