Raiders 53-man roster projection after preseason opener

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OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 10: ChrisWarren #34 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Running Back (5): Marshawn Lynch, Keith Smith, Jalen Richard, Doug Martin, Chris Warren III

During the team’s first drive against the Lions on Friday night, veteran running back Marshawn Lynch took a hand off from Carr and raced up the sideline for a 60-yard touchdown. While the play was called back due to holding by rookie left tackle Kolton Miller, Lynch showed incredible speed, and could be in for a monster season in 2018.

The rest of the game belonged to his backups, as the Raiders shared the wealth with the entire running back group. Doug Martin only got one carry, but he expected to be the No. 2 this season, unless one of the younger guys can wrestle that job from him, and some looked very good against Detroit.

One player who really stood out was Chris Warren III, who followed up some solid joint practice with the Lions and performed in a big way in his preseason debut. Warren nearly racked up 90 yards on only 13 carries, showing a nice blend of speed and power, as he looks to shock people and make this roster.

Keith Smith is definitely making the team as the fullback, and Jalen Richard got involved in the passing game on Friday. However, DeAndre Washington stepped up in a big way on Friday too, and if he continues to play that way, he may end up knocking someone out and earning a spot on the 53-man as well.

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