Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Raiders: 3 players to watch

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Hunter Renfrow #13 and Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after Renfrow caught a touchdown pass from Carr against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 31-24. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Hunter Renfrow #13 and Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after Renfrow caught a touchdown pass from Carr against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 31-24. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 03: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs in for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 03: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs in for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Josh Jacobs

The Raiders offense has proved to be better when Josh Jacobs gets a heavy dose of touches. With that in mind, Jacobs is a player to watch for once Thursday’s game rolls around.

Jon Gruden has kept a close eye on Jacobs’ workload since he’s never been the workhorse ball carrier in college, and playing on a short week could only intensify his shared backfield with Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington.

The Chargers give up an average of 114.1 rushing yards per game, and Jacobs has eclipsed at least 120 yards on the ground in three of his last four games, so running the ball against the Chargers defense looks to be the focal point heading into another game.

His touches could see a down tick with it being a short week, but making the most of his carries could be the difference maker.

Schedule