The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to get a winning streak going when they host the Denver Broncos in Week 10.
While they put themselves in a strong position with a clutch victory over the Los Angeles Chargers last week, it did come at a bit of a cost. Not only did they lose cornerback Trayvon Mullen due to a hamstring injury during the first half, but fullback Alec Ingold was also ruled out after hurting his ribs.
Ingold still made sure to celebrate the thrilling, last-second win over the Chargers from a local hospital though and fortunately, it seems he was able to provide another positive update on his status for this week.
Despite fracturing two ribs, Ingold fully intends to play versus the Broncos, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
#Raiders FB Alec Ingold, one of the NFL’s best at his position and the personal bodyguard to star RB Josh Jacobs, suffered two fractured ribs on Sunday, source said… but he somehow plans to play through the injury this week vs the #Broncos. 🤷🏽♂️
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 12, 2020
There is no questioning Ingold’s toughness given playing through such a serious injury will be no easy feat. Of course, it is safe to assume that head coach Jon Gruden may opt to temper his workload a bit in order to avoid any potential setbacks that could sideline him for any period of time.
While the rest of the NFL has gradually phased out the fullback position, Gruden’s emphasis on the run game calls for a player of Ingold’s skill set. His efforts have undoubtedly paid some major dividends for running back Josh Jacobs, especially considering he was hurt on the latter’s 14-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
Gruden has been open about ensuring that the Raiders do not take the struggling Broncos lightly with all the young talent they boast on offense. While the onus will fall on the defense to contain this group, the offense will benefit from having Ingold in the mix.
Although Las Vegas has made a habit out of overcoming one obstacle after another, they will need to start taking that next step if they hope to come within striking distance of the Kansas City Chiefs.
