Former Alabama running back returns to practice for Raiders

Former Alabama running back Josh Jacobs returned to practice for the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of their Monday night meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Jon Gruden made sure to temper expectations by reiterating that no decision will come over the next few days.

“I would say it’s really questionable, his status right now,” said Gruden, via NBC Sports. “But it’s good to have everybody back at practice.”

Jacobs had not practiced with the team since injuring his ankle in the season-opener against the Baltimore Ravens. In that game, Jacobs ran for 34 yards and two touchdowns, adding six receiving yards.

Since entering the league as the No. 24 overall pick in 2019, Jacobs has run for 2,249 yards and 21 touchdowns, adding 410 receiving yards with one Pro Bowl appearance. He has played a major role in the offense since Gruden selected him, joining quarterback Derek Carr in the backfield as the Raiders look to build with young skill position players.

Running back depth in Las Vegas

The Raiders offseason investment has already paid off as free agents Peyton Barber and Kenyan Drake fill the hole left by Josh Jacobs as he returns to practice. The duo has helped the Raiders to a 3-0 record in the opening weeks with big production.

Barber ran for 111 yards and a touchdown, adding 31 receiving yards against the Miami Dolphins in Week Three. He then got a vote of confidence from his head coach as the team waits for its star running back.

“We’re not going to hesitate one bit to put him in a primary role after what he did against the Dolphins,” said Gruden.

Drake has also played a role in picking up the slack with 182 rushing yards on 34 touches, mostly in the passing game. The fellow Alabama alum comes to Las Vegas after an impressive back half of the 2020 season. Filling in with the Arizona Cardinals, Drake finished last season with 1,092 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns.

Rebuilding the offensive line

The Raiders opted to move on from offensive linemen Trent Brown, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson. The decision to trade away the veteran leadership and undeniable talent those three bring was controversial but has brought good results early in the season.

New center Andre James was set to be flanked by guards Richie Incognito and Denzelle Good, but injuries took both to injury reserve. Former Alabama tackle Alex Leatherwood was brought in on the right to completement young left tackle Kolton Miller on the outside of the offensive line.