:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67464599/usa_today_14962831.0.jpg)
Friday update: The Raiders released their final injury report for Week 3 and the team has announced Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller are questionable, per reporter Tashan Reed. Both practiced on Friday after missing Wednesday and Thursday sessions.
Two of the Las Vegas Raiders’ most important skill players could be in danger of missing their Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots. Tight end Darren Waller and running back Josh Jacobs have yet to practice since going the distance in a Week 2 win against the New Orleans Saints. Starting offensive tackle Trent Brown, who missed Week 2 with a calf injury, has also yet to practice this week. The Raiders could be in for a tough game against strong Patriots defense.
Fantasy football analysis: Raiders TE Darren Waller and RB Josh Jacobs
Waller has been hobbled by a knee injury he suffered on Monday and is the Raiders’ top pass catcher. He has been targeted almost three times as much as any other Raider and leads all tight ends with 24 targets on the season. He’s second to only Arizona Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins in targets and receptions in 2020. His 12 receptions for 105 yards and a score in Week 2 were helped power Las Vegas pas New Orleans, and Derek Carr will have to find a new go-to guy if Waller can’t suit up. Jason Witten could be asked to contribute more, but the veteran only has two receptions for five yards. Look for rookie wideouts Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards to get more opportunities if Waller is inactive.
Jacobs is dealing with a hip pain from Monday’s matchup and has been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL so far. He has the second most targets (9) on the Raiders and has caught 7 passes for 63 yards. The second-year back ranks fifth in rushing yards with 181 and is second to only Christian McCaffrey rushing touchdowns (3) this season. His increasing involvement in the passing game has made him more valuable to the Raiders’ offense because of their limited experience at the wide receiver position. It’s unclear whether Devontae Booker or Jalen Richard will inherit the starting job if Jacobs is ruled out, but the two will likely split carries fairly evenly.