In Josh McDaniels' first year as the head coach, the Las Vegas Raiders have underperformed drastically, holding a 6-10 record into the last week of the regular season. Nine-year veteran quarterback Derek Carr has been benched in favor of former New England backup, Jarrett Stidham.
Josh Jacobs, months before hitting free agency, is capping off a career year where he's run for 1,608 yards, 12 touchdowns, and added 51 receptions and 395 yards through the air. Jacobs was listed on the preliminary Week 18 injury report with a hip/oblique/non-injury-related ailment.
In what shapes up as a meaningless game for Jacobs and the Raiders, it's suspicious that their star running back lands on the injury report. Is Josh Jacobs injured? Will he play in Week 18? Let's dive in.
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Josh Jacobs Injury News
The Alabama product did not participate in Wednesday's practice. Jacobs briefly exited last Sunday's game with a hip injury. His 67% offensive snap share was his lowest since Week 8.
To add to the complexity of Jacobs' injury status, Wednesday's absence was credited to a personal day and not because of the injury sustained in Week 17's game. It's hard to interpret whether Jacobs' personal day was an ordinary veteran absence or if it can be traced to the preservation of his own health ahead of a huge offseason.
If the fourth-year back is experiencing any discomfort ahead of Vegas's season finale, it's doubtful that he would risk his health. Jacobs' participation level in Thursday and Friday's practices will be strong indicators of his status for Saturday's game.
Is Josh Jacobs Injured or Playing in Week 18?
It's undisclosed if the hip/oblique ailment is the reason why the NFL's leading rusher would be in jeopardy to miss Week 18.
With a large paycheck looming in Jacobs' future, no one can criticize the Raider running back for holding out of the last game of the season. Many expect Vegas's star to sign elsewhere this offseason.
If Josh Jacobs misses Thursday's practice due to another personal day, it's fair to conclude he will skip Week 18. If he participates in Thursday's practice, I would assume Josh Jacobs suits up on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
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