The Las Vegas Raiders have a big question at the running back position as long as All-Pro Josh Jacobs continues to hold out. In Jacobs’ absence, the Raiders depth chart at the position currently consists of veterans Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden as well as second-year backs Zamir White and Brittain Brown.
Make no mistake, the Raiders will be far better with Jacobs on the roster, but if something can’t be worked out the franchise must have a backup plan in place, and the team is apparently looking for a bit of insurance just in case.
According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Raiders worked out a pair of free agent running backs in former Houston Texans back Rex Burkhead and Kansas City Chiefs back Damien Williams:
The Raiders worked out free agent running backs Rex Burkhead and Damien Williams.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 1, 2023
Burkhead has spent the last two seasons with the Texans after four years with the New England Patriots and is known for his abilities as a receiver out of the backfield. Last year he carried the ball just 26 times for 80 yards but added a career-high 37 receptions for 204 yards. He has 1,908 career rushing yards and 17 touchdowns along with 192 receptions for 1,534 career receiving yards and another nine touchdowns.
Williams had his greatest success during his two seasons with the Chiefs in 2018 and 2019 and helped the team win the Super Bowl in that second season. In those two years, he totaled 754 rushing yards and nine touchdowns along with 53 receptions for 373 receiving yards and another four touchdowns.
He was also a huge part of the Chiefs’ run to the Super Bowl in 2019 as he totaled 290 scrimmage yards in their three games with six touchdowns. In the Super Bowl itself, Williams rushed for 104 yards and one touchdown while adding another touchdown through the air.
The Raiders getting a closer look at two reliable running backs, both of whom have Super Bowl experience, makes a lot of sense even if Jacobs ultimately returns which many believe will happen before the season begins. The leadership they could bring to the locker room would be a great addition overall. Additionally, Burkhead is another former Patriot who is familiar with Josh McDaniels’ offensive system.
But the fact that the Raiders are looking may be a sign that the team hasn’t been all too impressed with the options they have in-house. While Burkhead or Williams would be decent additions, Jacobs being on the field for the Raiders remains the team’s best option at running back.
