Las Vegas Raiders Running Back Expected to Suit Up for Week 13

The Las Vegas Raiders should have their best offensive player in the fold when they take the field against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 13. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports "there is optimism" running back Josh Jacobs will play in Sunday's game despite a lingering calf injury.

#Raiders RB Josh Jacobs (calf) will work out pre-game to see if he can go, source said. Similar to last week -- when he gained 303 yards from scrimmage -- there is optimism that he can play, but no one will know for sure until the workout.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 4, 2022

Jacobs was in a similar position last week. He missed two practices ahead of the Raiders' Week 12 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks before playing the game of his life, totalling an astonishing 303 yards from scrimmage in a 40-34 win.

At 4-7, the Raiders will need a similarly surprising performance from Jacobs if they intend to keep their slim playoff chances alive. The Chargers topped the Raiders 24-19 in the season opener. Jacobs was efficient in the loss, rushing 10 times for 57 yards and nabbing his only target for 16 yards, but the flow of the game kept him from getting the touches he needed to make a massive impact. If the Raiders are going to win, they'll need Jacobs to control the game.

Jacobs joined the Raiders as the 24th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. After 3087 rushing yards and 752 receiving yards across his first three seasons, the Raiders declined to pick up his fifth-year option. He has responded with a career year, leading the league in rushing (1159) and yards from scrimmage (1484) through 12 games. He'll be a free agent following this season.