Tag: jalen richard

Four Raiders on injured reserve are eligible to return this week

Four Raiders on injured reserve are eligible to return this week

This season the NFL decided to continue with the same short term injured reserve rules they implemented in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rule is that instead of players placed on partial season IR being out at least eight games, they are allowed to return after three weeks.

Any player placed on IR after the 53-man roster cutdown is on short term IR and thus may return as early as three weeks into the season.

Several Raiders players were placed on short term IR prior to the start of the season. Three weeks are in the books, which means all of them are eligible to return.

Those players were RB Jalen Richard, LB Nicholas Morrow, LB Javin White, and CB Keisean Nixon.

Whether any of these players returns is, of course, dependent upon whether they are healthy enough to do so.

The least likely to be ready to come back would figure to be the two linebackers. Both Morrow and White suffered injuries within days of each other during the preseason. White’s was carted off the field in the preseason opener with an apparent serious injury. A few days later, Morrow left the team’s scrimmage with the Rams with an injury and head coach Jon Gruden said shortly thereafter that Morrow’s injury could actually keep him out even longer than White.

Richard could be the most likely to be activated this week. He has been missing the longest, having suffered a foot injury on August 4. The Raiders could also use the depth at running back with Josh Jacobs missing the past two games with and ankle injury.

Raiders make series of roster moves heading into weekend

Raiders make series of roster moves heading into weekend

It was a busy week for the Raiders. Early in the week they had to make their roster cuts to get down to 53 players. The next day (Wednesday) they needed to see about putting together a 16-man practice squad, which they did and making a few more moves official.

With the practice squad in place, the team went about placing several players on partial season injured reserve. And with those moves, they added players to fill their vacant roster spots.

Heading to partial season IR were linebacker Nicholas Morrow (foot) and Javin White (knee), RB Jalen Richard (foot), and CB Keisean Nixon (leg).

Corresponding moves saw the return of TE Derek Carrier and S Dallin Leavitt along with the addition of OL Jermaine Eluemunor.

Eluemunor was originally a round five draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2017. The 6-4, 345-pounder has played at guard and tackle in his career. He has appeared in 39 games with 11 starts over his career with the Ravens and Patriots. He was most recently in camp with the Dolphins.

If you’re wondering if the math isn’t working out, you’re right. They placed four players on IR and added three. There is one spot open, officially, though reports have it filled with LB KJ Wright who was signed to a one-year deal.

In order to scrounge up the money to afford Wright, the team restructured the contract of DE Yannick Ngakoue, saving $8 million on this year’s cap.

The team made one last move on Friday and it was bringing back former 5th round LB Marquel Lee to the practice squad and releasing undrafted rookie LB Max Richardson from the practice squad.

Raiders add two running backs after ‘COVID… hit us in the face’

Raiders add two running backs after ‘COVID hit us in the face’

There were two new running backs on the field on day two of Raiders practice. They were number 37 and 39. If you’re following along, those two numbers are already taken. But they’re in black — safety Tyree Gillespie and cornerback Nate Hobbs respectively. No matter, the Raiders were desperate for running backs and he had to get a number, so taken or not, those are the numbers they got.

Number 37 is Darius Jackson, a former sixth round pick out of Eastern Michigan who played four games in 2018 for the Packers and Cowboys. Number 39 is BJ Emmons and undrafted rookie out of Florida Atlantic.

As for the Raiders desperation, that comes from being without three running backs on the first day of camp.

One of those backs was Kenyan Drake who has an undisclosed injury that has placed in him on the NFI list. The other two are Jalen Richard and Theo Riddick who landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. And right out the gates of camp, there’s the feeling of ‘here we go again.’

“COVID is obviously still very real and it kind of hit us in the face here yesterday,” said Raiders OC Greg Olson. “You never want to have players miss [practice] but that’s the world we live in right now with COVID. It’s unfortunate those guys to have contacted it or to be in close proximity that they actually miss time because of that.”

The three losses at running back left just Josh Jacobs and undrafted rookie Trey Ragas as the lone running backs, making it vital the Raiders brought in someone to take some reps. Should either Richard or Riddick be out due to close proximity, he should be back in short order should he test negative.

RB Jalen Richard placed on Raiders reserve/COVID-19 list

Noted anti-vaxxer RB Jalen Richard placed on Raiders reserve/COVID-19 list

Wednesday the Raider took the field for their first practice of training camp. At which one thing stood out — the lack of running backs.

Everyone was present and accounted for on the field who was not on either PUP or NFI with the exception three running backs — Kenyan Drake, Jalen Richard, and Theo Riddick.

Soon, Kenyan Drake was spotted on the sideline, suggesting he has an injury of some kind. It would soon be revealed that he will start camp on the NFI list as well, despite not initially being among the names given out.

As for Richard and Riddick, it would also soon be revealed why they were not there; they were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The day prior, head coach Jon Gruden said that “four or five guys” on the team are not vaccinated. And if anyone were to hazard a guess as to who those 4-5 players are, Jalen Richard’s name would likely be the first mentioned.

Back in 2019, Richard made his feelings known about vaccinations, tweeting out “None of my kids will be vaccinated” and in a follow-up Tweet cited supposed research and religious beliefs as his reasoning adding “sorry not sorry.”

This month he made it pretty clear his viewpoints on the subject had not changed. Less than a week ago, he tweeted out that unvaccinated players are “playing in jail” and urged all unvaccinated players to read and follow the rules and protect themselves.

Since that posting, Richard’s Twitter appears to have been deleted.

Meanwhile, Richard’s head coach is taking great pride in having his entire staff vaccinated and what he thinks is a very high number of his players as well.

Gruden knows firsthand that COVID-19 is nothing to take lightly. He came down with the virus just prior to camp last year. He also had to deal with weekly positive tests and players missing games from being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list including former right tackle Trent Brown knocking out the entire starting Oline for a week of practices as close contacts.

Brown was traded this offseason for among other things his lack of work ethic. No doubt his carelessness with regard to COVID played a part as well. Could it be Richard caught the virus and then Riddick was lost as well due to being a close contact?

NFL teams do not reveal right off if players tested positive or if they were a close contact. We should know that in the coming days. For now, the Raiders are suddenly down three running back right out the gates of camp. That can’t be sitting well with Gruden.

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Raiders RB Jalen Richard shakes off fumble, redeems himself with TD in win vs. Saints

The Raiders showed plenty of trust in their backup running back, Jalen Richard, in Las Vegas’ big win vs. the Saints on Monday night.

The Raiders scored to open the second half against the Saints on Monday night, and their struggling defense forced a New Orleans punt on the ensuing possession. Las Vegas had the ball, up 24-17, and was poised to take control of the game.

But as the Raiders offense drove down the field with momentum in hand, running back Jalen Richard fumbled the chance away. On a third-down toss play that looked promising, Richard took his eye off the ball, and for the moment, momentum was lost.

But Richard got another chance on the next drive — on the same toss play, even — and he cashed in, this time for a touchdown run on a third-and-long attempt, giving the Raiders a 31-17 lead. Las Vegas eventually won, 34-24, in the club’s first game in Allegiant Stadium.

Coach Jon Gruden acknowledged his running back’s mistake, and he praised Richard’s professionalism.

“Jalen’s fumble was obviously a key play in the game. We had a play set up, I think, for big yardage,” Gruden told reporters after the big win. “We were gonna get a first down there, I believe. It looked good. Unfortunately, he just mishandled it.

“You really got to tip your hat to Richard. To come back and make a play like he did to redeem himself. And that’s what a professional has to do. You gotta have a thick skin. [Offensive coordinator] Greg Olson showed a lot of confidence to give him another shot.”

It wasn’t just the coaching staff that showed confidence in Richard, his teammates did, as well. For starters, the defense didn’t hang their heads after Richard’s fumble, forcing the potent Saints offense to punt once again, giving Richard his chance for redemption.

But that doesn’t mean the mistake was easy to fight through.

“It’s always a downer when you make a mistake on the field,” Richard told reporters after the game. “But we always talk about snapping clear. All my teammates were behind me. I’m happy the coaching staff and my teammates got faith in me to give me that play again.”

While Gruden gave credit to Richard, and rightfully so, of course, he also gave credit to Olson, which is also clearly justified. But some credit also goes to Gruden. He’s historically quick to bench a running back after such a mistake. Richard doesn’t get many carries, making it easier to sit him down.

So Gruden showed faith in Richard, too. Since the diminutive player is one of the few that have survived Gruden’s three-year roster purge, that’s no surprise.

But it was a surprise to see Richard in there again, running the same exact play he had messed up earlier. It’s fortuitous that he got the chance — and not only for this game. It’s a long season, and Las Vegas will need contributions from everywhere. Richard’s rejuvenated confidence will help him make more plays for his trusting head coach, Jon Gruden.

Report: Colts showing ‘steady interest’ in WR Jalen Reagor

Jalen Reagor is one of the top WRs in the class.

While the Indianapolis Colts won’t be active on the first day of the 2020 NFL draft as it stands currently, they are keeping tabs on several wide receiver prospects in Round 2, including TCU’s Jalen Reagor.

Though there are several prospects worthy of a selection for the Colts in the second round, Reagor is one of the top options. It seems Indy has been keeping tabs on him as they are reportedly among the teams showing steady interest” in Reagor, per Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle.

Reagor is one of the top prospects in the class at wide receiver. He doesn’t have elite size, but he does have a strong showing of contested catch abilities. He has the speed to be a vertical threat while also projecting as a Z-receiver or flanker while working on the underneath routes.

The Colts have a need to find that prototypical X-receiver, but Reagor fits what the offensive scheme likes in that he has explosive traits and the ability to break off a big play at any time with the ball in his hands.

There are a number of solid options for the Colts at the wide receiver position, and Reagor will be at the top of the list.

Jalen Richard goes from tryout player to long NFL career with Raiders ‘Every route is different’

Jalen Richard goes from tryout player to long NFL career with Raiders

Being drafted into the NFL can be a big deal. Even being a priority undrafted free agent can be a big deal. But neither the draft nor the undrafted free agent frenzy ultimately gauges whether a player will succeed in the NFL. Jalen Richard was neither of those things.

Richard has already put together a 4-year career, and now he’s signed a 2-year extension that would keep him with the Raiders through 2021. And he came into the NFL as an afterthought.

Coming out of Southern Mississippi with just one standout season, Richard was not any teams’ radars. There are some 256 players drafted and then just as many, if not more who are signed in the minutes following the draft. The 5-8, 205-pounder was not among any of them. He would have to try out.

Richard got an invite to the Raiders rookie minicamp in Alameda. Media in attendance isn’t even given the names of the players who were there for tryouts. Some of the players are revealed by their agents, but even then, you have to do some guesswork as to who is who.

That year, there were two tryout running backs. I can’t recall the name of the other player. That’s not important. What I do remember is seeing one of those backs out there and being suitably impressed by his obvious talents as a running back. That was Richard. And after his tryout, he was signed to the roster and he hasn’t looked back.

He has become a change-of-pace back and reliable receiver out of the backfield for the Raiders. Just a season ago, he tied for the team lead in receptions (68) for a career-high 607 yards receiving.

Shortly after he had signed his 2-year extension with the team, Richard went to twitter to share in his accomplishment and how he got here.

It must be downright surreal for Richard, who remembers he had round trip flight plans that ended up being one way. Now 2.550 yards from scrimmage and 6 touchdowns later and he’s still going. Now he’s a veteran and still carving out an NFL career.

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REPORT: Raiders sign RB Jalen Richard to contract extension

REPORT: Raiders sign RB Jalen Richard to contract extension

The Las Vegas Raiders continue to make personnel moves ahead of free agency as they have locked up another key contributor on offense. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Raiders have agreed to a contract extension with running back Jalen Richard.

Richard was scheduled to hit the free-agent market in less than a month, but decided to return to the Silver and Black as the team’s passing-down back.

Over the last two seasons, Richard has caught 104 passes for the Raiders, averaging nearly nine yards per reception. While he’s not an every-down running back, he is someone who Derek Carr trusts to get open during the game’s biggest moments.

Despite Richard and Josh Jacobs both being under contract, expect the team to look for a more traditional backup for Jacobs. However, expect Richard to keep his third-down role with the Raiders.

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5 Raiders to watch against the Titans

The Raiders are fresh off two blowout losses, and a winning season could disintegrate without a stellar performance from these five players.

It’s been a rough couple weeks for the Raiders, having dropped consecutive road games in blowout fashion, most recently to the Chiefs with first place in the AFC West on the line.

But the story of this year’s Raiders is still being told.

At 6-6, their remaining four games are against teams without elite records, so Oakland still has a shot at the playoffs. At the very least, they can recover the league-wide respect they earned in going 6-4, building momentum for next season in the process.

Their first challenge could be the toughest and not solely due to the quality of the opponent. After two lopsided loses, finding their confidence and building positive momentum will itself be a task. Here are the players to watch as the Raiders attempt to start the last quarter of the season with a win.

DT Jonathan Hankins

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Against a Tennesse Titans team featuring running back Derrick Henry, the Raiders’ stout run defense will be put to the test. Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins will be key in stopping the man Raiders coach Jon Gruden says has an under-recognized and valuable skill.

“I think the secret sauce in Henry is he’s got all the talent, and size, and running instincts, but he never tires. He’s a machine, man,” Gruden said during his Wednesday press conference. “You’ve got to gang tackle him. The more they give him the ball, the better he gets … an impressive human being.”

Hankins can’t stop Henry by himself, but by disrupting the middle of the Titans’ offense, he can make Henry work harder and allow the rest of the Raiders’ defense to swarm. It’s been Hankins’ formula for success all season, but Oakland needs him perhaps more than ever this week. Watch to see if he can make Henry spend some stamina and have a subpar game.

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