Before the 2019 season even started, the Oakland Raiders were down a player. Isaiah Crowell was signed this offseason and suffered an unfortunate Achilles tear.
While the Raiders will miss his presence, they were lucky enough to re-sign running back Doug Martin. Martin proved to be a solid piece for the team after Marshawn Lynch faced injuries last season.
Martin is back and understands that his role in the locker room will be a leadership role. One of the players that he will be mentoring is rookie Josh Jacobs. Martin is familiar with Jacobs and hopes to be able to lead him down the road of success, via Kyle Martin of Raiders.com:
“With Josh Jacobs, he’s a good kid, good character, y’all heard his story. I read it myself and I commend him for being as strong as he is. I’m here to mentor, push him,” Martin said. “I’ve been in the league eight years, so I am the vet now. I can’t believe it, but that’s the case. So, I’m here to just be that role model for him and if he has any questions I’m here for him. He’s got good character, but he’s the type of dude that can just run you over.”
Jacobs is expected to make an immediate impact on the field. He led the University of Alabama in rushing touchdowns with 11 in his junior season while averaging 5.3 yards per carry as well.
Martin put up 4.2 yards per carry in his first season with the Raiders, the best for him since 2015. As mentioned, Martin will definitely be transitioning into a veteran role. Although he is accepting of this move, he will surely be ready to step up should his number be called.
Also of note, Martin will be switching back to number 22. Martin wore 22 during high school and up until he switched to 28 with the Raiders last year.
Crowell was expected to see the starting duties before his season-ending injury. The job is now Jacobs’ to lose, although Martin will likely get a solid workload as well as Jalen Richard.
