Just Blog Baby
FanSided

Analyzing the Raiders Running Back situation entering the 2022 offseason

By Nicholas Yacenko

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) reacts to winning the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Raiders won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) reacts to winning the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Raiders won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
Nov 21, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Raiders have a complicated running back room entering the 2022 offseason, so who will return next season in a new offense?

For much of the 2021 season, the Raiders running game faltered. The combination of Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake had few moments of true success outside of the two-game stretch in Weeks 6 & 7. However, when Jacobs finally got healthy and rounded into form, he began to show signs of the Pro Bowl player he once was.

Jacobs performed admirably in the final weeks of the season, peaking in the final game of the regular season when he had a career-high 132 yards. Jacobs ultimately had 872 yards and nine touchdowns as the endzone has never been difficult to reach for him.

The absence of Kenyan Drake allowed Jacobs to shoulder the workload and get into a rhythm. Things began to click for Jacobs during the Week 15 game against Denver. Jacobs seemed to struggle sharing the ball full time, but that can also be blamed on health.

Regardless, the Raiders have some talent returning to the running back room, but also some questions. The team currently has Josh Jacobs, Kenyan Drake, Trey Ragas, and fullback Sutton Smith under contract, whereas Peyton Barber and Jalen Richard enter free agency, and stud fullback Alec Ingold will be a restricted free agent coming off of a torn ACL.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News