As the Raiders (2-8) look to halt a six-game losing streak against a Denver team that is on the rise, Las Vegas could be turning to one of its youngsters to help carry the offensive load.
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce revealed in his media availability that Las Vegas’ top two running backs, Alexander Mattison and Zamir White, did not practice on Wednesday.
“Yeah, so two running backs won’t practice and neither will Jack Jones today. So, next man up mentality. Get some of these younger guys some reps, see how they do, and hopefully we get these guys back by the end of the week,” Pierce said.
Pierce also outlined the Raiders’ running back plans if they are without both Mattison and White against Denver. It includes a 10-year NFL vet and a rookie that fans will be excited to get an extended look.
“Yeah, I mean you’re looking at Ameer [Abdullah], looking at Dylan [Laube], and then we got Sincere [McCormick] there on the practice squad. So get him some reps, get him going. Obviously, with those two gentleman not practicing today, we’ll definitely ramp up everybody else,” Pierce said.
Abdullah, a 10th-year pro out of Nebraska, enters Week 12 with 17 carries for 82 rushing yards and one rushing score in this 2024 season. The 5-foot-9, 203 pound running back has also caught 17 passes for 76 receiving yards and a score in 2024.
Laube is a rookie out of New Hampshire and was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft with the 208th overall selection. The 5-foot-10, 208 pound running back has carried just once this season in the Raiders’ 32-13 Week 6 loss versus Pittsburgh.
In his New Hampshire career, Laube rushed 544 times for 2,678 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Pierce shed light on what he’s seen from Laube thus far.
“The key word right there is work ethic, because he’s a scout team running back there, giving us a good look,” Pierce said of his rookie back. “Obviously, we had some fumbles early on, talked about that with the ball security. And again, here’s a great example, right? Well, here’s your opportunity. Are you ready?
“And we’ve been talking about that. I keep talking about rookies, our younger players, you never know when your name will get called, your number is going to get called. And if it’s this week, be ready for it. But I will say this, he shows up every day, he’s in the building as early as most of our vets. He’s prepared, he goes out to practice, practices hard. He gives us good looks, got a smile on his face, and he works.”
While Laube could suddenly turn into one of the key focal points of the Raiders’ rushing attack versus the Broncos, the health statuses of Mattison and White will obviously remain key storylines to track as this week unfolds.
Mattison leads the Raiders in rushing on the season with 320 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 97 carries. White has tallied 183 rushing yards and one score on 65 totes this season.
Kickoff between the Raiders and Broncos is set for 1:05 p.m. PT from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Raiders fell at the Broncos, 34-18, in the two teams’ first meeting this season on Oct. 6.