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Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has been a true bell-cow this year, receiving at least 15 touches in all but two games and playing eight games with 20 or more touches. Few running backs in the NFL handle the volume that Jacobs does, making him a solid fantasy option despite being in a weak offense.
The 25-year-old left the team's Week 14 game with a quad injury and subsequently sat out Week 15 on a short week. After not participating in any practices leading up to last week's game, Jacobs entered the game with a questionable designation but ultimately did not play.
When is Jacobs coming back to action? What is his fantasy football outlook when he returns? Let's dive in.
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Josh Jacobs Injury Update for Fantasy Football
Jacobs suffered a bruised quad in the Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, which forced him to leave the game prematurely. Consequently, he missed Week 15 after missing all practices leading up to the game. Despite the absence, there was no indication of him being placed on injured reserve, providing a glimmer of hope for his return in the fantasy playoffs.
Typically, injuries of a similar nature result in just a one-week absence, suggesting that Jacobs stands a good chance of playing in Week 16. However, to gain clearance, he will likely need to participate in a few practices, even if in a limited capacity throughout the week.
Considering he played the entire season on a one-year contract with a team holding slim playoff hopes, there's a possibility that Jacobs may choose not to suit up again in the pursuit of securing a multi-year deal. Monitoring his status leading up to Week 16 will be crucial for fantasy managers.
Josh Jacobs Fantasy Football Outlook
If Jacobs makes a return, he should be included in most lineups based on his significant workload alone, serving as a rare workhorse running back in today's NFL. In the event that he is unable to play, Zamir White is expected to handle the majority of early-down rushing, complemented by Ameer Abdullah in the passing game.
In Week 16, the Raiders are set to face the Chiefs, who have demonstrated an average performance in points allowed to running backs this season. The Chiefs rank sixth-worst in rushing DVOA for the year, presenting an opportunity for the Raiders to have a productive day on the ground, especially if they can maintain control of the game. In a previous matchup against the Chiefs earlier in the season, Jacobs had an impressive performance, rushing 20 times for 110 yards and a touchdown, resulting in his second-best PPR output of the season.
Given the likelihood of a questionable tag for Jacobs leading into Week 16, fantasy managers should closely monitor his practice status throughout the week. However, if he is deemed healthy, Jacobs deserves a spot in lineups as a strong play based on his anticipated volume.
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