Las Vegas Raiders Expect Star Running Back to Play in Week 15

The Las Vegas Raiders should have their offensive centrepiece on the field when they face the New

England Patriots on Sunday. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, running back Josh Jacobs is expected to start in Week 15.

#Raiders RB Josh Jacobs (quad, hand), listed as questionable with his ailments, is expected to play, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2022

Jacobs had been limited in all three practices this week with a combination of quadriceps and hand injuries. He was similarly limited in last week's practices before playing extensively in a Thursday Night Football 17-16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, logging 29 touches for 114 yards.

Jacobs has been one of the league's elite offensive weapons this year, rushing for a league-leading 1402 yards while adding 44 receptions for another 346 yards. He's been a bright spot in a disappointing season for the 5-8 Raiders. Despite spectacular performances from Jacobs and wide receiver Davante Adams (82 receptions for 1247 yards and 12 touchdowns), the Raiders rank only 11th in scoring and find themselves all but certain to miss the playoffs.

Jacobs joined the Raiders as their 24th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. After three years of moderate success (3087 rushing yards, 4.2 yards per attempt), he has broken out with a signature season in the final year of his rookie contract. He's likely earned a franchise tag this offseason and perhaps even a long-term contract that places him among the league's highest-paid running backs