Oakland Raiders at Indianapolis Colts: 3 players to watch

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 22: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders drops back with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 22: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders drops back with the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 15: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders warms up prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)

Josh Jacobs

It’s still early to know exactly what kind of player Josh Jacobs can turn out to be, but through the early stages of his NFL career, Jacobs looks like he can develop into a bonafide workhorse running back. Although, his usage over the last two weeks have been highly questionable by the coaching staff.

Jacobs is another player to watch against the Colts, since Jon Gruden keeps reiterating that he wants to get him more involved within the offense. Jacobs has already shown what he can do in the ground game, but the concerning part is the low-volume of targets he’s had in the passing game. Jacobs has only seen three targets and one reception over his first three games.

He was drafted in the first-round for a reason, he’s a complete back. So why not utilize him like one? Colts appear they could be short-handed at linebacker, which sets up for a potential big day for Jacobs.

Since Carr has been shaky getting the offense going of late, giving Jacobs the ball on the ground early could be a weapon to lean on. Also, utilizing him as a check down option when Carr faces pressure is something to look for. Jacobs only catch this season resulted in a 28-yard gain – he’s a dangerous runner with the ball in his hands.

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