Josh Jacobs Not Expected to Play for Raiders in Week 17 After Dealing With Leg Infection

While it is going to take numerous things going in their favor, the Oakland Raiders still have a chance to reach the playoffs this season.

Unfortunately, they will have to attempt to do so without one of their breakout rookie stars.

Josh Jacobs, dealing with a shoulder injury as well as a skin infection, is unlikely to see the field in Week 17.

Source: #Raiders RB Josh Jacobs, who is dealing with a skin infection and a shoulder injury, is not expected to play on Sunday. In their improbable race to qualify for the playoffs, sounds like Jacobs is unlikely to join them.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2019

Though initial reports had his availability somehow not compromised by the surprise post-Christmas leg surgery, it seems all parties have been hit with a dose of reality as the week's continued.

Despite sitting out two games in 2019, Jacobs has already eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards on the year. He has accounted for 100+ scrimmage yards nine times this season, which is good for third best in the NFL, behind Christian McCaffrey and Michael Thomas.

Most games this season with 100+ yards from scrimmage:
1. Christian McCaffrey: 13
2. Michael Thomas: 10
3. Josh Jacobs: 9
T-4. Ezekiel Elliott: 8
T-4. Nick Chubb: 8
T-4. Dalvin Cook: 8
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 27, 2019

With Oakland's improbable road to the playoffs difficult to attain, even if all goes perfectly, it might be for the best that Jacobs gets some additional rest ahead of the offseason. Furthermore, they managed to defeat the Chargers without him in Week 16. They know it is possible to win without their work horse running back.