After being marked as doubtful on yesterday’s injury report, the Raiders have officially ruled rookie running back Josh Jacobs out for Sunday’s regular season finale against the Broncos.
Jacobs’ injury was designated as a shoulder and illness. The speculation is that the illness is a separate issue from his minor surgery to remove a skin infection on Wednesday night, though Jacobs may simply be dealing with too many ailments to be on the field.
Jacobs will finish the regular season with 1,150 yards rushing in his rookie campaign and seven touchdowns in 13 games. He also had 20 catches for 166 yards through the air.
With Jacobs out, Raiders fans have another thing to hold their breath over this week: Jacobs’ Rookie of the Year bid
With fellow rookies impressing, such as the Titans’ A.J. Brown on a recent tear and Seattle’s D.K. Metcalf in a similar spot, there’s an outside chance that one of those two receivers could have a tremendous final outing and sway voters in their favor.
Whether Jacobs wins the award or not, sitting him is the right move here. He’s the back of the future for this franchise and the team shouldn’t jeopardize his health any further.
If the Raiders defy the odds and make the playoffs, which would require losses by the Browns, Titans, and Steelers, who will be playing Sunday without James Conner, Jacobs could be good to go for the wild card round after sitting out three of the last four weeks in the regular season.
