Even though Josh Jacobs will miss his fourth straight game due to a quad injury, the Las Vegas Raiders running back is expected to be healthy by the time the NFL offseason begins.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Jacobs has been dealing with “two deep bone contusions that have restricted his range of motion” and prevented the Raiders’ medical staff from clearing him to play.
Pelissero added Jacobs has no structural damage and he will be “fully healthy” before the start of free agency in March.
There was some hope in previous weeks that Jacobs might be able to play. Interim head coach Antonio Pierce said prior to their Week 17 game against the Indianapolis Colts the 2022 All-Pro would be a game-time decision.
“That’s going to be a game-time decision,” Pierce explained. “I mean, no need to rush it. If he can go at one o’clock on Sunday, I’m happy with that.”
Jacobs has only participated in one practice over the past four weeks. He was a limited participant on Dec. 22 leading up to the Raiders’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The injury occurred during the Raiders’ 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. Jacobs went to the locker room in the fourth quarter with what was originally thought to be a knee injury.
This is an important offseason for Jacobs, who is set to become a free agent. He was on the verge of hitting the market last year, but the Raiders elected to use the franchise tag after he led the NFL in rushing yards (1,653) and yards from scrimmage (2,053) in 2022.
Jacobs held out for virtually all of training camp and the preseason before signing his one-year tender on Aug. 26. The missed time led to a slow start, as he had just 46 rushing yards through his first two games.
This was the worst statistical season of Jacobs’ career. He will finish with 805 rushing yards, six touchdowns and 3.5 yards per carry.
After missing out on a lucrative multiyear contract last offseason, Jacobs will hope that deal is out there for him this year. It might be tough to get one because of his drop in performance, but as long as he’s fully healthy, teams will be happy to at least make him an offer because the 25-year-old has a lot of upside.
