The Las Vegas Raiders are in a bit of a pickle with their running backs. Josh Jacobs, their starting running back, is holding out for a new contract and there is no guarantee that he will report to training camp. If Jacobs does not show up, the Raiders will have to rely on a group of backups that is unproven and inexperienced.
The Raiders’ top backup running backs are Brandon Bolden & unproven second year back Zamir White. Bolden is a veteran who has been in the NFL for 10 years, but he has never been a featured back. He is a good pass catcher and a reliable runner, but he does not have the same explosiveness as Jacobs.
Another backup running back who could see an increased role is Ameer Abdullah. Abdullah is a speedy back who has some experience as a starter. He is not as good a blocker as Bolden, but he has the potential to be a more dynamic runner.
The Raiders also have a few young running backs who could step up if Jacobs is not available. Zamir White was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He is a big, powerful back who has the potential to be a home run hitter. Brittan Brown is another young running back who has shown some promise. He is a shifty back who is good at making people miss.
If Jacobs does not report to training camp, the Raiders will be in a tough spot. They have a good group of backups, but they are not as talented as Jacobs. The Raiders will need their backups to step up if they want to be successful in 2023.
Here are some possible scenarios for the Raiders running backs if Josh Jacobs doesn’t show up to training camp:
- Bolden could become the starter unless White wins the starting role in camp & pre-season. He(Bolden) is the most experienced running back on the roster and he has a good understanding of the offense.
- Abdullah could split carries with Bolden. He is a more dynamic runner than Bolden, but he is not as good a blocker.
- White and Brown could compete for the third-down back role. They are both young and talented, but they need to prove that they can be reliable contributors.
It is too early to say what will happen with the Raiders running backs if Josh Jacobs doesn’t show up to training camp. However, the Raiders have a good group of backups who have the potential to step up if needed.
