Headed into Week 15, the biggest question surrounding the Oakland Raiders revolves around the status of their rookie running back, Josh Jacobs.
After missing Sunday's 42-21 loss to the Tennessee Titans, Jacobs returned to work – albeit in a limited capacity – at the team's Wednesday walkthrough, and while his status for Sunday's home finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars is still unclear, Head Coach Jon Gruden was happy to have the stud rookie back in the mix.
"I'm glad the reports say that," Gruden said when asked about reports stating that the MRI on Jacobs' shoulder showed positive results. "I wasn't totally aware of all the facts, but I do know that Rod Martin has cleared him to practice, and we'll see what happens in the next couple days. It doesn't mean he's going to play, but I'm glad the reports are positive."
Since the Silver and Black only held a walkthrough Wednesday afternoon, a more accurate gauge of where Jacobs is health-wise will come later in the week when the team holds full practices.
"I just listen to the medical staff and Josh, and today he's made some improvement but he still has to go out there and move explosively tomorrow, Friday, and do the things that a running back has to do to play in this league and protect himself in this league," Gruden said. "We'll see what happens in the next 48 hours."
If Jacobs isn't able to give it a go Sunday, it would stand to reason that once again DeAndré Washington and Jalen Richard would handle the bulk of the rushing responsibilities for the Silver and Black.
The team also signed veteran running back Rod Smith earlier in the week. Originally signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Smith has 52 NFL games under his belt, and most recently spent time with the Tennessee Titans earlier this year.
Through 12 games, Jacobs has carried the ball 218 times, totaling 1,061 yards and seven touchdowns. He was named Rookie of the Month for both October and November.
