The Las Vegas Raiders have long been without star running back Josh Jacobs this summer.
Jacobs, 25, had the franchise tag placed on him by the team. The All-Pro rusher from last season has held out ever since. He wants a long-term deal.
Still yet to report to training camp, Jacobs might be doing exactly that and soon.
It’s an important note for the Buffalo Bills, too.
According to various reports including CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, it is expected that Jacobs will be back with the Raiders before Week 1.
In addition, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported that Las Vegas is not entertaining trade offers for Jacobs. They plan to keep him.
If Jacobs does get back on the field by Week 1, how long does it take for him to adjust back to football? Is there any rust?
And most importantly, what’s soon after that season opener? A Las Vegas-Buffalo matchup in Orchard Park in Week 2.
Not facing the full All-Pro version of Jacobs, or him continuing his holdout until the regular season, wouldn’t be the worst news for a Bills defense transitioning to life without run-stuffing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
Without Jacobs in the fold this summer, the Raiders have still turned a new leaf on offense this offseason.
Quarterback Derek Carr was released Jimmy Garoppolo was signed to replace him. Even with All-Pro receiver Devante Adams still in the fold, that change in QB points toward Jacobs being essential to the Raiders next season.
The storylines following the running back is a topic to monitor for the Bills as the regular season approaches.
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