As the 2019 offseason is slowly reaching its end, the Oakland Raiders are finally getting into the full swing of Training Camp. While the goal is to get every player into shape for the season, the Raiders might not be as able to do so.
Unfortunately for the Raiders, many of their key players will not be able to participate due to injury. Running back Isaiah Crowell was on that list and now it seems fullback Kevin Smith is joining him.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Smith has suffered a knee injury and will miss the next few weeks:
A hit to the #Raiders backfield: Fullback Keith Smith suffered a knee injury while training and will be out a few weeks to begin training camp, sources say. They may sign a FB as he recovers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2019
Smith then confirmed that is the case as he underwent successful surgery to repair a torn meniscus, via Jimmy Durkin of The Athletic:
Re: Raiders FB Keith Smith, per his IG story, he had successful surgery yesterday on his meniscus, calling it, “Nothing too too serious that will keep me out for too long!” pic.twitter.com/ysd1krbeVM
— Jimmy Durkin (@Jimmy_Durkin) July 25, 2019
Smith joined the Raiders last year on a two-year, $4.2 million contract after spending four years with the Dallas Cowboys. Smith saw only limited time on the field, participating in 15.45% of offensive snaps last year.
It is unclear exactly how long Smith will be out, but Alec Ingold, an undrafted rookie signed this offseason, is currently the only other fullback listed on the roster. The team could also look to sign a free agent if Smith’s injury is more serious than originally thought, as Rapoport suggested.
Ingold spent the full four years at the University of Wisconsin and had a strong senior season. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry on 26 attempts, and also notched 18.6 yards per reception on five catches.
The Raiders rookies have been at Training Camp since July 23 and the rest of the team is scheduled to arrive by July 26. Practices start on July 27, leaving the Raiders with only a few days if they want to fill Smith’s spot.
