Zamir White – Syndication Server

What condition the position is in: Assessing Raiders level of need at RB

With free agency a month away, it’s time to check in on the Raiders’ running back position to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.

Starter: Sincere McCormick

Backups: Zamir White

Free agents: Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah

Zamir White was the incumbent starter after finishing the 2023 season on a strong note. None of that showed up to begin this season and it became clear quickly that he was probably the worst running back in the room. Mattison came in and ran better, but still not great. It wasn’t until both White and Mattison were out with injury that the Raiders discovered they had a bit of a hidden talent in Sincere McCormick. Along with some solid contributions from Ameer Abdullah as a receiver.

Condition: Critical

McCormick may be a gem for this team, but they can’t really afford to go forward on that hope alone. That’s the mistake they made going with White after letting Josh Jacobs leave in free agency. And that backfired. McCormick should make a very nice complementary piece for whomever they bring in to start at running back. Pete Carroll loves to run the ball and he had some good ones in Seattle, including Marshawn Lynch. Finding his next great back should be a very high priority.

Raiders 2024 season Busters

Rounding up all the performances that most contributed to the Raiders struggles in 2024.

We’ve detailed the Raiders 2024 season Ballers. Now we move on to the second part…

Busters

HC Antonio Pierce, OC Luke Getsy

This team was doomed from the start. The team had little of the mojo it had over the latter half of last season. And having one of the worst offenses in the league was not helping.

Pierce was out of his depth in terms of game management and while he preached not getting too high or low, no one rode the emotional roller coaster more than he did.

Getsy simply walked in a ruined any chance the Oline had of succeeding by changing up their blocking scheme. The result was disastrous.

In the the nine games with Getsy still in place, either he or Pierce (or both) were a Buster six times. And three times a Top Buster.

QB Gardner Minshew

For all the talk about how the Raiders should have gone with Aidan O’Connell from the start, Minshew did actually look better in training camp. Even though it was clearly a lesser of the evils situation. Then Minshew went out and looked downright terrible. He had one good game — that miracle win in Baltimore. Outside of that, he was a Buster six times, and twice a Top Buster.

CB DeCamerion Richardson

He was thrust into a starting role when he was not ready for it. Jakorian Bennett was lost for the season and the rookie Richardson was the Raiders best option. He routinely got torched by opposing receivers and was named a Buster four times over the final eight games, including twice a Top Buster.

S Isaiah Pola-Mao

Pola-Mao also stepped in as an injury replacement. And overall, he showed enough that he could get a shot. That game he had with two forced fumbles spoke well of him. But he has some work still to do, including his penchant for not keeping his head up when he tackles. He was a Top Buster three times down the stretch.

LT Kolton Miller, RT DJ Glaze

This was tough. Because the blocking scheme put Miller in a tough spot early in the season and Glaze is a rookie. The result was Miller giving up seven sacks along with seven penalties, while Glaze gave up three sacks with eight penalties.

The two of them could be the Raiders starting tackles for years to come, so it’s important not to take this as a judgment of their talents. Glaze showed a lot of signs he will be a talented tackle in this league and Miller just had a down year, from which I expect he will bounce back.

RB Zamir White

White came on strong late last season when he had a fresh body and the rest of the NFL did not. I was still skeptical he could sustain it because I hadn’t seen anything special about his running abilities. And this year he was an utter liability. He was a Buster three times in eight games and every other back the Raiders played looked like an upgrade.

See the Ballers

How will Sincere McCormick snaps be affected by return of Alexander Mattison?

Raiders RB Alexander Mattison has been dealing with an ankle njury. Here are the latest updates.

It’s been almost a month since we saw the Raiders top two backs to start the season take the field for the team. Her is the latest on the two of them as the Raiders prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons in week 15.

Alexander Mattison injury update

He has missed the past three weeks with an ankle injury. He returned to practice last week and was Questionable only to be rendered inactive. Antonio Pierce updated his status on Wednesday.

“Well, he’s good,” said Pierce. “I mean, he’s close. I mean, just the numbers game being inactive, but I would assume this week he’ll probably be active.”

Zamir White injury update

The team placed White on injured reserve this week, with practice squad QB Carter Bradley taking his spot on the roster.

How long will Zamir White be out?

With just four games left, White is done for the season.

Running back depth chart

Sincere McCormick and Ameer Abdullah have gotten the starts since White and Mattison went down. Expect McCormick to keep his starting job. Pierce said McCormick will keep the starting job.

“Yeah, he deserves it,” Pierce said of McCormick starting. “The last three games, he’s running his tail off. So, keep running, keep pushing those numbers up, see if we can get him to 100.”

Mattison should share backup snaps with Ameer Abdullah.

Raiders make 5 roster moves including Aidan O’Connell contingency plan

Raiders made several roster moves on Wednesday as they began preparations for Week 15 vs the Falcons. Including adding a quarterback.

Wednesday the Raiders had their first walk-thru as they begin the week of practices for their Monday Night matchup with the Atlanta Falcons in Las Vegas. As they do so, they needed to tidy up the roster in light of some injuries.

Signed QB Carter Bradley off the practice squad.
Placed RB Zamir White on injured reserve
Signed QB Jake Luton to practice squad
Signed DT Tyler Manoa to the practice squad
Released DT Marquan McCall from the practice squad

Bradley spent the offseason with the team and has been on the practice squad all season. He was added to backup Desmond Ridder in case Aidan O’Connell is unable to go.

“Well, I just think dealing with the injuries, might as well have three quarterbacks up the way the season has been going,” said Antonio Pierce. “But Carter [Bradley] has done a really good job, kind of like Sincere [McCormick], giving us this really good look on the practice squad and the look team, being competitive, really getting after us. And I think as the season has grown, again it’s in practice, but you have seen improvement. I think the moxie’s come out of him, he’s kind of got out of his shell. I think it’s a great opportunity, you never know what’s going to happen in the game, and he has to be ready to play because it’s been that kind of season for us.”

Luton was signed to the practice squad to replace Bradley. He was a sixth round pick by the Jaguars in the 2020 draft out of Oregon State. He started three games for the Jaguars his rookie season and hasn’t played a game since, spending time on the practice squads of the Jaguars, Saints, and Panthers.

Raiders vs Buccaneers injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 14

All the latest updates and news on TEAMA’s injury report ahead of a Week X game vs. TEAMB.

The final injury report is out for the Raiders week 14 matchup with the Buccaneers.

Raiders, Buccaneers injury report

CB Nate Hobbs injury update

Hobbs has officially been ruled OUT. Bringing his missed games now to four. He suffered an ankle injury in the team’s week nine game in Cincinnati. He will once again be replaced at slot cornerback the by Darnay Holmes.

RB Alexander Mattison injury update

Mattison returned to practice last week, but still missed his second game with an ankle injury. He was limited all week and is officially Questionable for the game.

RB Zamir White injury update

White will once again be OUT. He was lost to injury in the same game in Miami in week 11 as Mattison was and will miss his third straight game as a result. In his and Mattison’s absences, the Raiders primary backs have been Ameer Abdullah and practice squad back Sincere McCormick who the team officially signed this week.

TE Justin Shorter injury update

Suffered a back injury in practice this week and is officially Doubtful for the game.

WR Jakobi Meyers injury update

Suffered an ankle injury in practice this week which caused him to miss practice on Thursday. He is officially Questionable for the game.

WR DJ Turner injury update

Turner was placed on injured reserve this week, which means he will be out at least the next four weeks, potentially the remainder of the season. He will be replaced in the lineup by Terrace Marshall.

Raiders vs Buccaneers injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 14

All the latest updates and news on TEAMA’s injury report ahead of a Week X game vs. TEAMB.

Preparations have begun for the Raiders and Buccaneers for their week 14 matchup. Which means the first injury report of the week.

Raiders, Buccaneers injury report

CB Nate Hobbs injury update

Hobbs is once again not practicing. He has missed the past three games with an ankle injury he suffered in the team’s week nine game in Cincinnati. He has been replaced at slot cornerback the by Darnay Holmes.

RB Alexander Mattison injury update

Mattison returned to practice last week, but still missed his second game with an ankle injury. He was still limited Wednesday so his status is one to monitor.

RB Zamir White injury update

White has still yet to return to practice. He was lost to injury in the same game in Miami in week 11 as Mattison was and has missed the past two games as a result. In his and Mattison’s absences, the Raiders primary backs have been Ameer Abdullah and practice squad back Sincere McCormick who the team officially signed this week.

Raiders down top 2 running backs again Week 13 vs Chiefs

The Raiders will once again be without top running backs Zamir White and Alexander Mattison Week 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Expect a heavy dose of Ameer Abdullah and Sincere McCormick again this week for the Raiders. Because top backs Zamir White and Alexander Mattison are once again inactive as the team prepares to face the Chiefs in Arrowhead.

This is the second week in a row the Raiders have been without White and Mattison.

Last week against the Broncos, Abdullah and McCormick filled in admirably at the position.

Abdullah led the way in touches with 13 for 65 yards. McCormick led the team in rushing with 33 yards on five carries (6.6 yards per carry).

Joining White and Mattison on the inactive list are CB Nate Hobbs, G Cody Whitehair, WR Ramel Keyton, TE Harrison Bryant, and DT Matthew Butler.

Raiders rookie RB will get most extensive playing time of season vs. Denver

Antonio Pierce updated the Raiders’ running back health and indicated that a rookie could be in the mix for Las Vegas versus Denver.

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.

Scott Turner discusses potential Raiders run game fixes

Interim Raiders offensive coordinator Scott Turner discussed how Las Vegas can find fixes in their struggling run game.

One of the biggest issues that has ailed a struggling Raiders offense has been its inability to establish and find consistent success in the run game.

Entering their Week 11 date on Sunday at the Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas ranks dead last in the NFL in rushing yardage with just 692 rushing yards. The Raiders’ 3.5 yards per carry average is also last in the league.

As Scott Turner takes over as the Raiders’ interim offensive coordinator, the former passing game coordinator discussed how Las Vegas can address its struggling rushing attack.

“We’ve had some issues, obviously. We know we’re not doing a great job right now of running the football. Trying to just make sure that the communication is great up front, so number one, we know who we’re getting to. Coach [Joe] Philbin, he’s going to do a great job, even in practice yesterday.

“Just really focusing on the fundamentals of hat placement, understanding what we’re trying to get out of every run. Hopefully we can stay a little healthier and have some continuity, which will help us get going
up front. And then the backs, just being decisive, don’t worry about making a mistake or putting the ball in the wrong place, just go hit it and run and get your pads going forward,” Turner said.

As Turner pointed out, the Raiders also have to give themselves more chances to run the football by extending drives.

Las Vegas’ 199 rushing attempts on the season are second-to-last, ahead of only the Dallas Cowboys.

“And then we got to get first downs, like you got to get first downs, whether it’s in the run or pass, to give yourself more attempts to run the football, because that’s where we’re lacking too. We’re lacking at attempts. We haven’t had great efficiency, but we’re also low at attempts as well,” Turner said.

Turner reiterated that communication will be the key up front for interim offensive line coach Joe Philbin and his bunch.

“I think our focus has got to be on communication. Like those guys got to communicate, and like I said, hopefully we can get some continuity. We have had changing lineups there, and you’re right, we’ve got some talented guys up front. And I think we got some guys that are young guys that are going to continue to get better.

“And I think the more they play, the more they communicate, if we can make things – again, you can’t just say we’re going to be super simple because you’ve got to go try to make plays – but as much as we can walk that line, that helps those guys as well. Because when guys know what to do, that allows them to play fast, which builds confidence, and then you play better,” Turner said.

The Raiders’ leading rusher heading into its Week 11 date in Miami is Alexander Mattison who has carried 92 times for 301 rushing yards with three touchdowns on the ground.

Zamir White also has 60 carries for 174 rushing yards with one rushing score thus far this season.

Raiders 2024 midseason Busters

Those who have had the roughest time in an ugly season for the Raiders.

Now that we’ve separated the positive performers aka the Ballers, let’s move on to those whose performances led most directly to the Raiders’ 2-7 record and their five-game losing streak.

Busters

HC Antonio Pierce, OC Luke Getsy

A head coach who preaches not riding the emotional rollercoaster but who lets every loss cause him to make unwise public statements and every week not commit to his starting quarterback. And who always seems to make the wrong decision on 4th down.

We knew these were going to be issues of his coming into the season, which is why he surrounded himself with former head coaches on his staff. But their influence has not been able to curb his worst tendencies. The team is falling apart at the seams on both sides of the ball and all we hear is the same old lines about execution and taking care of the ball.

Days before Getsy was fired, he clapped back at a question about the team’s inability to keep up the offensive success past the first scripted drive. His response was that there is no such thing as a scripted drive, even though that’s a very commonly known concept. And the Raiders have been terrible at sustaining anything past the first drive.

It seems like after that first drive, his game plan seems to consist of simply trying to do what the defense least expects. Even though the reason defense wouldn’t expect it is because it’s just a bad idea. For instance, he will call for runs when the pass has been working, and vice versa. And it has cause many drives to stall either at the doorstep of scoring range or in goal-to-go situations. And this team can ill afford to miss opportunities like that.

The previously successful run game has been an unmitigated disaster in the zone blocking scheme he implemented and the offense as a whole has looked completely lost.

LT Kolton Miller

Three times this season Kolton Miller was the Top Buster with four times a Buster overall. He just hasn’t been himself. He has given up six sacks this season, which puts him on pace for 11 sacks which would be by far his most sacks allowed since his rookie season.

QB Gardner Minshew

Speaking of guys having their worst seasons…Minshew has thrown more interceptions (8) than touchdowns (6) this seasons. There’s also been several instances where he panicked at the first sign of pressure and just bounced around inside the pocket until he was sacked.

RB Zamir White

Nothing has gone well on the ground for the Raiders. However, Alexander Mattison for outplayed White which is saying a lot. And it’s the reason Mattison ended up taking his job.

In his first season as the named starter, he has averaged just 2.9 yards per carry and has two fumbles. Despite being a strong back, he hasn’t had success in short yardage, often going down at first contact. He also has just six catches on the season.

C Andre James

Three times this season, James was a Buster. He was injured in Week eight which had rookie Jackson-Powers Johnson move over to center from left guard, and the difference was obvious. JPJ had his best game of the season and was named a Baller. Something James has not accomplished this season.

DT John Jenkins

Jenkins has done almost nothing this season. Unless you consider getting routinely pushed up field on the block as doing something. The Raiders run defense has been abhorrent this season and the door is often opened when he gets sent backward. He had 61 tackles last season and he won’t come close to that this season on his current pace. He also has yet to record a tackle for loss and has just two QB hits.

T Thayer Munford, T DJ Glaze

Between the two of them, they have five times been Busters over the first nine games. Munford started the season and held up well in the season opener. But the next week he was the Top Buster on a team that otherwise had a great game. He was injured the following week and Glaze stepped in.

In his six starts this season, Glaze has been a Buster three times, including two of the past three games.

Munford came in last week as the team’s third string left tackle and absolutely lit up, including Trey Hendrickson putting up three sacks on him. He has given up five sacks this season despite playing in just two full games.