Oakland Raiders Week 10 X-Factors against the Los Angeles Chargers
By Matt Holder
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.