The Oakland Raiders were sent straight back to the drawing board in Week 7, losing to the Green Bay Packers, 42-24, to fall to 3-3 on the season.
The Raiders hung around for stretches of the game as they were able to produce offensively but just could not finish off drives with scores. The lack of success deep in the red zone would eventually come back to bite them with Aaron Rodgers throwing for 429 yards, five passing touchdowns and one rushing as well.
However, there were some bright spots for Oakland as Darren Waller and Josh Jacobs continue to impress on the offensive end. Waller, who was recently signed to a contract extension, torched the Packers for seven receptions, 126 yards, and two touchdowns while Jacobs added 124 rushing yards on 21 carries.
The rookie running back briefly exited the game with a shoulder injury but was apparently feeling fine enough to return. Although he finished the game, he has been absent from practice, raising questions about his availability for the team’s Week 8 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Even without the practice reps, Jacobs feels that he still could be ready to play, via Scott Bair of NBC Sports:
Josh Jacobs was asked if it was conceivable he could play without practicing. He answered it with a smile and a quick “yup!” Yeah. That could happen.
— Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) October 24, 2019
It appears that will be the case as while Raiders head coach Jon Gruden would not guarantee that Jacobs would play against the Texans, he said he is expecting him to, per Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune:
Raiders Jon Gruden on Josh Jacobs availability vs. Texans: `He's a young player, obviously. He's got a shoulder. We're listening him as questionable. We're expecting him to play but we'll have to see how it goes.' #Raiders
— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) October 25, 2019
Gruden has made it a point to establish the run these past few weeks and Jacobs has been more than willing to carry the load. The Alabama product has toted the ball 47 times in the past two games and has shown a penchant for churning for yards after first contact.
Jacobs’ running ability has also helped Derek Carr as the veteran quarterback has been able to get into more of a throwing groove these past few weeks. Despite an ugly fumble in the loss against Green Bay, Carr has steadily looked more and more comfortable connecting with his new set of pass catchers this season.
Although Jacobs seems intent on playing against Houston, it is still no guarantee he actually dresses as Oakland would be wise to ensure that his shoulder injury is nothing serious. If Jacobs is unable to go for some reason, Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington would split the backfield snaps, but represent a sure downgrade as neither are the same dual-threat that their teammate is.
The Silver and Black have their work cut out for them with the Texans boasting one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Deshaun Watson has given defenses fits each week and the Raiders have been prone to the big play all year. It is going to take a complete game from everyone if they hope to pull off the upset.
