Oakland Raiders: Josh Jacobs is set to handle a hefty workload

Oakland Raiders first-round rookie running back Josh Jacobs is primed to handle a hefty workload this season following the departure of veteran Doug Martin.

The Oakland Raiders selected Josh Jacobs with the 24th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft with an eye on both the future and the present.

While the Raiders hoped that he would serve as the team’s top running back for years to come, they also expected some form of immediate contribution. The extent to that immediacy, however, was yet to be determined.

The team had signed veteran Isaiah Crowell in the offseason and the expectation was that he and Jacobs would split the majority of first and second-down reps. Unfortunately, Crowell tore his Achilles soon after the draft and was placed on the injured reserve thus ending his season.

But the Raiders weren’t done adding veteran backs as the team re-signed former Pro Bowl running back Doug Martin to a cheap one-year contract following Crowell’s injury.

Once again, it was assumed that the veteran and the rookie would split time as the Raiders top two running back options out of the backfield. But once again, the veteran appears to be out of the picture.

Martin was placed on the Reserve/Injured List on Sunday after initial reports that the team had released him. And while his placement on the injured reserve isn’t exactly an official release, it’s essentially a formality of a roster move.

Martin is gone and once more Jacobs is the clear-cut leader in the backfield.

More from Las Vegas Raiders News

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• Raiders: Bryan Edwards out, Henry Ruggs doubtful for Sunday
• Raiders: Damon Arnette re-injures thumb, could be headed to IR
• Raiders fall short in letdown Week 3 loss to the New England Patriots
• Raiders: Game breakdown and prediction for Week 3 at New England Patriots

Of course, it remains possible that the team could make a move before the start of the season, but that possibility is relatively unlikely. In all likelihood, this is Jacobs’ job now and the Raiders have shown full confidence in the rookie.

Jacobs was never given a true full workload over an entire season at Alabama, instead splitting time with highly touted prospects such as Damien Harris and Najee Harris. However, Jacobs did handle the majority of the snaps as the season progressed and his talent shined through.

The 21-year-old has all the traits of a true do-everything, three-down back with a great blend of speed, elusiveness, and power. His pass-catching trait makes him a threat out of the backfield and his pass-blocking ability makes it so he isn’t a liability on passing downs.

Despite his limited college production, he’s all scouts look for from a running back prospect that doesn’t have top-tier speed or size.

More from Golden Gate Sports

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
• Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
• 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
• 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve

Jalen Richard is still expected to serve as the Raiders’ primary third-down back, a role he has filled nicely over the past few seasons. As such, Jacobs won’t be asked to be a true three-down back, of which there are very few remaining in the NFL.

But with Martin now out of the picture, Jacobs should have no problem getting 15-20 touches per game.

The only other running back on the roster is DeAndre Washington and he was seemingly phased out of the offense last season. Another strong preseason looks to have earned him a roster spot after doubts earlier in the summer, but his role in the offense will likely be limited.

With Washington being used sparingly and Richard relegated to third downs, Jacobs will be the guy in Oakland. The Raiders ground game will revolve around the rookie and he looks more than prepared to handle the increased workload.

The plan was always for Jacobs to be given the majority of the team’s offensive snaps before long. However, it seems like that plan has been accelerated as a result of his impressive performance this summer.

Expectations will be high for Jacobs this season, but it’s clear that he has the confidence of his coaching staff.

Now it’s all about making the most of this incredible opportunity.