Who should get more and less playing time for the Oakland Raiders
By Matt Holder
Wide Receiver
Fewer Reps: Tyrell Williams
At the beginning of the season, Williams was a very productive receiver who was benefiting from Antonio Brown’s departure. Plantar fasciitis unfortunately hampered what was looking like a career year for the veteran and he hasn’t been the same since. The former Charger is playing hurt and it’s clearly affecting his route running and speed that made him effective in San Diego/Los Angeles.
Similar to Jacobs, Williams’ injury is one that only gets better with time off and obviously he’s not getting that now. Letting the wideout rest up and giving more reps to younger guys would be in the team’s best interest.
More Reps: Rico Gafford
During the preseason, the speed demon caught the coaching staff’s attention with nine catches for 113 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 53-yard touchdown against Arizona. His performance was good enough to secure a spot on the practice squad and eventually found his onto the active roster. Gafford has only been targeted once during the regular season but made it count with a 49-yard score.
With a 40-yard dash time of 4.19, the former defensive back is a legitimate deep threat. In order to become a complete receiver, he needs to work on his route running but that’s understandable since he’s new to the position. Riding the bench won’t make that any better and it’s time to see what Gafford can do with more playing time.