Las Vegas Raiders: 5 players that can earn a spot against San Francisco

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 14: Running back Trey Ragas #36 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs against the Seattle Seahawks during a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 20-7. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: 5 players that can earn a spot against San Francisco

Trey Ragas – RB

Trey Ragas has been one of the stars of the short preseason for the Las Vegas Raiders. The man they call “Trey Vegas” had an excellent performance in the first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks with more than 80 total yards and a touchdown.

He had fewer opportunities in the second matchup against LA but still scored a touchdown from the goal line.

The undrafted rookie faced an uphill battle to make the final roster with the Raiders having a full stable of running backs but an injury to Jalen Richard has opened up a major opportunity for him. BJ Emmons was the workhorse in Week 2 of the preseason but if Ragas can use the opportunities given to him against San Francisco he could find himself making the final roster come final cut day.

Richard is due $3.5 million this year and while he and Carr have a great connection, if his COVID and injury issues don’t resolve themselves soon he could be released or put on injured reserve. Ragas can fill the role vacated by Richard as a receiving back by proving he can handle complex pass blocking assignments and show even more versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

He has shown that he is capable of both in recent weeks with 5 catches for over 40 yards in limited opportunities and has looked comfortable as a pass blocker. If Gruden has him pegged as the third running back then we may see him get plenty of looks on Sunday against a talented 49ers defense.

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