Las Vegas Raiders Running Back Expected to Play on TNF

The Las Vegas Raiders should have their best offensive player available when they take the field against the Los Angeles Rams tonight on Thursday Night Football. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports running back Josh Jacobs is expected to play in the Week 14 matchup.

#Raiders RB Josh Jacobs – listed as questionable with quad and calf injuries – is expected to play tonight against the #Rams, per sources. Jacobs has an NFL-high 1,634 yards from scrimmage and will look to pad his lead against a depleted L.A. defense without Aaron Donald (ankle).
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 8, 2022

Jacobs has been battling a calf injury that has routinely limited him in practice over the last few weeks. He initially suffered the injury in the Raiders' Week 11 22-16 win over the Denver Broncos, but it hasn't cost him playing time. In fact, he's on a bit of a hot streak: Jacobs has totalled 150+ yards from scrimmage in three straight games.

Given that Jacobs' calf injury hasn't slowed him down so far, it shouldn't come as a shock that he'll see the field against the skidding Rams. However, despite their 3-9 record, the Rams defense remains a tough out for opposing rushing attacks: they've allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards and rushing yards per attempt this season. If Jacobs is at all hobbled on a short week, it could mean the end of his recent streak of dominance.

Jacobs initially joined the Raiders as their 24th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. One of the few remaining holdovers from the Jon Gruden/Mike Mayock regime, the Raiders declined to pick up his fifth-year option entering this season. Jacobs has responded with a career year; his 1303 rushing yards and 5.4 rushing yards per attempt are personal bests, and his 1634 yards from scrimmage lead the league.