Four things we learned after Week 1 of Raiders OTA’s
By Evan Groat
Marshawn Lynch Will Be Eased Into Things
If OTA’s could be used to foreshadow how the Raiders will monitor Marshawn Lynch’s workload this season, then it’s safe to say he will be handled with care.
Marshawn did on-field work without a helmet on, which is a signal that he would be a limited participant in the team’s workouts. After stretching on the field, most of Lynch’s activity came in the team’s performance center.
UPDATE: Marshawn Lynch heads to weight room as practice continues. https://t.co/JCBvjQTke6
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 23, 2017
The team is surely just as excited as the fans are to see what Marshawn can do, but the smart decision is to ease him back into action after his year away from football, which including riding camels in Egypt among other things.
I would expect the Raiders to continue this treatment of Lynch throughout the season. Holding veterans out of the early offseason workouts is a common practice among NFL teams, so this could be a reoccurring theme during the offseason.
Look for new offensive coordinator Todd Downing to use as many as four backs in his running back by committee. Lynch will be the lead with Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington spelling him in certain situations. Elijah Hood could be used as a clear to wear down defenses late in games, and/or Jamize Olawale could also see some work.
Saving Lynch for a stretch run should be priority number one for him, and that seems like that’s what the plan is.