Oakland Raiders Week 10 X-Factors against the Los Angeles Chargers

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Oakland Raiders forces a fumble from Parris Campbell #15 of the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 29: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Oakland Raiders forces a fumble from Parris Campbell #15 of the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals defense in the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Oakland Raiders won 23-21. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 18: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals defense in the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on November 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Oakland Raiders won 23-21. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

The Backup Running Backs

With 136.4 yards per game, the Raiders rushing attack ranks sixth in the league and clearly, the offense is predicated on the ground game. Rookie running back Josh Jacobs has led the way, however, the team might have to rely on someone else this week.

A couple weeks ago, Jacobs suffered a shoulder injury and while he didn’t miss any games, the organization still needs to proceed with caution. The workhorse had nearly 30 carries last Sunday and a short week combined with a nagging injury is a recipe for disaster. Oakland needs to think about the Alabama product’s future, which means giving backups DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard more carries.

The reserve backs are averaging about 3.8 yards per rush and 8.75 yards per reception, so they can be productive when called upon. Los Angeles surrenders 114.1 rushing yards per game, so if Thursday night is a “load management” game for Jacobs, expect Washington and Richard to rise to the occasion.