2018 Oakland Raiders Training Camp: From A-Z
By Brad Weiss
Washington or Richard?
With the Raiders bringing in Doug Martin this offseason, there was suddenly a new player vying for that backup running back spot behind starter Marshawn Lynch. What that also meant was that either DeAndre Washington or Jalen Richard could be out of a job this summer.
Washington and Richard came into the NFL together, and have each brought something to the table over their first two seasons. However, Martin has looked so good this offseason that some have even suggested he be the starter over Lynch, so there is no way Washington or Richard will be the No. 2 in 2018.
The Raiders may only carry four running backs this season, and one of those spots has to be reserved for fullback Keith Smith. If that is the case, only Washington or Richard are going to be on the 53-man roster in Week 1, so their battle will be one of the best ones to watch this summer in Napa.
Both players have also been used in the return game, so that could land both of them on the roster. However, the team brought in guys like Ryan Switzer and Dwayne Harris to return kicks and punts this season, leaving Washington and Richard’s role up in the air this summer.