PFF Recap: Grading the Oakland Raiders in Week 3

Jamize Olawale’s Play Pushes Marcel Reece out of Oakland

With former Raiders starter Marcel Reece serving the final game of his four-game suspension, fourth-year fullback Jamize Olwale earned his fourth-consecutive start against Tennessee.

Though Olawale was expected to fill Reece’s role the best he could until the former Pro Bowler returned to action, his best pushed Reece to the curb despite what was his pending return next week against the Baltimore Ravens.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, Reece was released from the team today.

Olawale, a former undrafted free agent out of North Texas in 2012, has worked for every opportunity put in front of him, proving time and time again that he can produce in a starting role.

His No. 1 ranked offensive grade (83.3) among his teammates put his name in the headlines; his big hits in the hole put his name in our Silver and Black hearts.

In order for the Raiders’ power-blocking scheme to work with elite efficiency, having a versatile fullback like Olawale pulling across the formation and opening up running lanes is essential.

With Olawale playing at such a high level, Reece could have seen limited snaps in the offense as a hybrid tight end/ slot receiver, but his talents were apparently expendable.

"“What he has meant to the organization and to me over the past few years is hard to put into words, but his actions, both on and off the field, speak louder than any words can,” Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie said, via Marc Sessler of NFL.com. “This was a tough decision. Not enough can be said about Marcel’s commitment to his teammates and his pride in the Raiders, and we wish him and his family nothing but the best.”"

Reece was expected to earn a base salary of $2.6 million in 2016, per Spotrac.com.