Oakland Raiders Week 1 53-man roster projection v.4
By Nick Ellis
Running Back (5): Josh Jacobs, Jalen Richard, Doug Martin, Deandre Washington, Alec Ingold
There is no question that Josh Jacobs will be starting at running back for the Raiders in 2019, as they selected the Alabama back in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Jalen Richard also has a spot locked on the roster, as he is a vital part of the Raiders offense.
Whether the Raiders carry four or five backs this season is in question, but one things for sure is, that the Raiders will have one fullback on the team. Keith Smith returned to action against Green Bay and looked solid, but considering how well undrafted rookie Alec Ingold has played, and that he was told he could stay home on this trip, leads me to believe that he will be on the 53-man roster.
Jon Gruden loves Doug Martin, and Martin performed well for the Raiders last season. I would be a bit surprised to see him not make the team, especially considering they brought him back knowing that they had Jacobs, Martin, Washington, and Warren at one time.
Deandre Washington already beat out Chris Warren III weeks ago, so it is clear that the Raiders staff likes having him around. He has performed well during the preseason, and carrying five running backs on a roster is not something out of the normal. When used, Washington produces, so I expect to see him with the team for week 1 of the regular season.