Oakland Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has been ruled out for the 2019 NFL season finale against the Denver Broncos while dealing with an injured shoulder.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden had initially been optimistic about Jacobs’ status coming into this AFC West showdown after missing two out of the last three games with the shoulder issue. Unfortunately, it was revealed that he had also undergone surgery for an infection on his leg this week.
Despite the setback, Gruden remained adamant that Jacobs’ status for the road trip to Denver would be based on how his shoulder felt. It appears they have ultimately opted to take a cautious approach with his recovery in order to avoid further aggravation of the injury going into the offseason.
As a result, running back DeAndre Washington is set to take over once again as the No. 1 option in the backfield while Jalen Richard serves as a complementary option in the passing game. Washington is coming off an impressive performance during the 24-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 after dialing up 106 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on a career-high 23 carries.
The decision to ultimately sit Jacobs out of Week 17 is certainly understandable considering the Raiders would still need a miracle to make the playoffs even if they did beat the Broncos. Risking his future health in what is likely a meaningless game would not be a smart call on their part.
After all, the 24th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft wasted no time in establishing himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL. Although his season ends after playing in 13 games, he remains as the frontrunner for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after rushing for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns on 242 carries.
While Oakland may fall short of a short at the postseason, Gruden can at least take solace in the fact that the Raiders managed to put together a talented rookie class following the debacle in 2018. The onus will now fall on them to ensure that they are building on this young foundation that they have ushered in.
