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Raiders 2022 preseason: Surprise cut candidates after game No. 2

By Nicholas Yacenko

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Helmets and other equipment on the Las Vegas Raiders sideline is shown during the Raiders' game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Helmets and other equipment on the Las Vegas Raiders sideline is shown during the Raiders' game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 07: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kenyan Drake #23 of the Las Vegas Raiders in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 07, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Raiders 23-16. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – NOVEMBER 07: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kenyan Drake #23 of the Las Vegas Raiders in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on November 07, 2021, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Raiders 23-16. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Raiders 2022 preseason: Surprise cut candidates after game No. 2

Kenyan Drake

Josh Jacobs, Brandon Bolden and surprisingly, Ameer Abdullah didn’t play for the Raiders against the Vikings, which means they likely have their spots solidified. The Raiders rolled out fourth-round pick Zamir White and 2021 free agent signee Kenyan Drake as their go-to running backs in preseason game No. 2.

It is a clear battle between Abdullah and Drake for the 3rd down running back role in Josh McDaniels’ offense and it looks like Abdullah has the lead. Drake is recovering from a brutal injury and was once a top back in the NFL, so it still feels like a surprise if the new regime opts to retain Abdullah, a career journey man, over Drake.

Drake reworked his contract this year, so cutting him also comes with a massive $8 million dead cap hit, if cut. The smart move seems to be to hold onto the veteran back who has proven to be a good running back and solid kick returner, rather than a journeyman.

However, if the new regime feels like Abdullah is markedly better than Drake, they look likely to keep the veteran Abdullah. Drake did still play ahead of Brittain Brown and Austin Walter, but he needs to prove he can fill a major role for the Raiders.

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