Josh Jacobs status update 10:21 a.m.

The Raiders running back is expected to play on Sunday, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport. Jacobs is dealing with a shoulder injury, but as Jon Gruden mentioned earlier in the week, he’s young and able to bounce back on this one. He faces a Texans defense that has been fairly solid against the run, but Jacobs will be plenty active in what could be a shootout. He’s a must start in fantasy football.

The Oakland Raiders will likely have running back Josh Jacobs back in the lineup this week when they play the Houston Texans. Head coach Jon Gruden said Friday that he expects Jacobs to be on the field.

Jacobs missed practice all week until Friday, when he returned in a limited role. He hurt his shoulder last week in a loss to Green Bay. He did still manage to roll up 124 rushing yards in that game, the most he’s put up all season. Jacobs did not find the end zone in that one, but he scored twice the week before.

His 554 rushing yards lead all rookies this season. Ditto his four touchdowns. He’s also eighth in rushing yards among all running backs, playing a true No. 1 role for the Raiders.

Fantasy football analysis, Oakland Raiders RB Josh Jacobs

The fact that he is, in all probability, going to play this week bodes well. The Raiders are nearly hopeless without him, and you can see that reflected in his workload. He’s topped 20 carries in his past two games.

It won’t be easy going, however, Houston hasn’t allowed an opponent to top more than 100 rushing yards as a team since Week 2.