Raiders Will Hold Out Rookie RB Josh Jacobs From Week 16 Clash With Chargers

Oakland Raiders RB Josh Jacobs
Oakland Raiders RB Josh Jacobs / Al Pereira/Getty Images

With the Raiders' playoff window pretty much tightly closed, it looks like the team is opting to begin preparing for the 2020 season.

Rookie running back Josh Jacobs, who has been nursing injuries of late, has already been ruled out for Sunday's clash with the Chargers due to his ailing shoulder, according to Adam Schefter.

Jacobs sat out Week 14, but was a full participant in last week's loss to the Jaguars. Now at 6-8 and no longer truly in contention for the postseason, the Raiders aren't going to risk further damage to their prized youngster.

Across 13 games this season, the former Alabama standout has amassed 1,150 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 242 carries. He's stepped into a critical role in Oakland's offense and has dominated touches in the backfield.

With two rather meaningless games left on the docket for the Raiders, Jacobs' season could very well be at its end, given the team's likelihood to play it safe with the 21-year-old.

With Jacobs out for the second time this season, expect Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington to take over most of the team's rushing duties.