CBS Sports: Raiders Sign Former Ravens favorite RB in a Blockbuster deal.
The Las Vegas Raiders had the worst running games in the NFL after ten games. The team’s running yardage average of 75.2 per game is the lowest in the league. It would be the worst average for a team since the Miami Dolphins averaged 72.3 rushing yards per game in 2019 if that doesn’t get better.
Zamir White and Alexander Mattison have failed to consistently create an impression. The Raiders added running back Chris Collier to the practice squad in light of this.
This year, the former Baltimore Raven entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Despite being a kick returner, he participated in five Raiders games. He went unnoticed before the draft since he played in Division II in college.
Maybe he can play a part there, as the Raiders haven’t received much from their kick returners. To evaluate if he has any advantages, the squad might also use him as a running back. The Raiders aren’t in the playoffs with a 2-8 record, but it wouldn’t hurt to give certain things a try. It might be time to give some new players a shot because White and Mattison aren’t producing many plays.
Raiders also signed Isaac Keenan
The Raiders added several players to the practice squad in addition to Collier. Keenan Isaac, a cornerback, was also signed by the team. In 2023, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent.
Before being fired, he participated in five games this season and two previous season. The Raiders need depth at cornerback because Jack Jones, Jakorian Bennett, and Nate Hobbs are all injured.
If the Raiders do not swiftly recover, Isaac will have a chance to earn his way onto the active roster.
Laube, Dylan Is it time?
There isn’t much more for the Raiders to do this season. It’s difficult to be optimistic about the team’s progress when the playoffs are out of reach and head coach Antonio Pierce is under pressure. Since the 2024 season is over, Las Vegas ought to make a change.
Increasing Dylan Laube’s playing time is one way they could do it. Although he fumbled on his sole rush attempt this season, the rookie running back showed some promise throughout training camp. He hasn’t received the ball from the Raiders since.
The Raiders would benefit from seeing what Laube can do, even though he might never make an impact as an NFL player. He could be able to ignite the running back room. At worst, he performs about as poorly as White and Mattison, which isn’t too bad for the team.
Pierce will, however, strive to position the squad to win every week with minimal consideration for the future because he probably won’t have a job next season. It’s difficult to envision Pierce taking many chances, even when his job is on the line, because he has always been a very cautious decision maker. At some point, general manager Tom Telesco might have to intervene and insist that Pierce give the younger players more opportunities.
