The Las Vegas Raiders will be without running back Josh Jacobs and Johnathan Abram in their Week 13 showdown against the New York Jets.
Jacobs suffered an ankle injury during their embarrassing 43-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last week. Although head coach Jon Gruden was initially optimistic that the team’s workhorse would be available versus the Jets, it appears the team will opt to take a cautious approach with his recovery.
Jacobs is the NFL’s fifth-leading rusher with 782 yards and is averaging 3.8 yards per carry with nine touchdowns so far this year.
Filling in for Jacobs will be running back Devontae Booker, who has done a solid job as the backup with 326 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 5.5 yards per carry. He will now have an opportunity to put up a big game against this winless Jets team.
Meanwhile, Abram will be sidelined with a knee injury he sustained in the game against Atlanta as well. His absence undoubtedly leaves a notable void in the secondary given how much time he has spent on the field throughout the 2020 NFL season.
The onus will fall on safety Jeff Heath to ensure that there is no drop-off over the top for Las Vegas. Despite Heath’s status as the starter in Week 13, it is safe to assume that safety Erik Harris will also see an increase in playing time with Abram out.
As crushing a loss as this is, the Raiders were able to share some good news for Sunday as well with defensive end Clelin Ferrell back in the mix after he was sidelined for the last two games while on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Cornerback Damon Arnette is also set to make his return after leaving last week’s game with a concussion and neck injury.
Despite the losses, a matchup with the woeful Jets is just what this team needs to get back on track for a potential postseason bid heading into the final stretch of the season.
