The Las Vegas Raiders’ running game has been solid in 2020. Running back Josh Jacobs is plowing away but behind him, Devontae Booker has found a place in the offense.
Everyone knows that Jacobs is the star of the Raiders’ backfield. It’s also true that he needs a dependable backup behind him. Being a running back in the NFL takes a toll and as we have seen, injuries are commonplace. Jacobs himself played injured last year, which showed off his tough nature. However, in a season with so much at stake, Raiders brass brought in Booker to help provide depth at the position. So far, Booker’s delivered when called upon on.
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The Raiders Coaching Staff Wanted To Involve Booker More
Running backs coach Kirby Wilson recently spoke on Booker. He told the running back “‘I’ve got to do a better job… getting you more involved in the offense.” Via the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Wilson elaborated on the fact that the Raiders knew about his time in Denver, “We knew what he had been doing in Denver.” It is hard to involve Booker when Jacobs is the workhorse, however, Booker did see a spike in carries against the Kansas City Chiefs, seven to be exact.
Another positive for the Silver and Black is that Booker makes the most of his playing time. He has 121 rushing yards off of 17 carries, with five first-down conversions on the ground. As a side note, Booker already has 71 yards after contact on the ground, in 2018 he had 90 for the whole year.
“I’ve been doing this even when I wasn’t. I just continue to keep working. … The only thing I can do is control what I can control. As of right now, I’m loving the team, loving the opportunity I’m getting.”
Booker is saying all the right things in his current stint with the Raiders. More importantly, he understands that he can only control so much, in other words, he must remain patient. As the season progresses and the coaching staff monitors Jacobs’ carries, Booker will be key game to game. An important role when you consider his signing was largely overlooked in the offseason.
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*Top Photo: Las Vegas Raiders/Matt Aguir