The Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) have performed well enough defensively to contend in their last two games, but their offensive struggles are contributing to a continued slide. With ongoing issues at quarterback, the burden falls on the running backs to control the game’s tempo. Achieving this on the ground is more challenging with a roster not at peak health.
According to Levi Damien of Raiders Wire, Zamir White was absent from Thursday’s practice due to a quadriceps injury. He was limited on Wednesday for the same issue, suggesting a regression for the third-year back just days before Las Vegas meets the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Unfortunately, the bad news doesn’t end there; linebacker Robert Spillane and center Andre James also missed practice.
This setback is especially disappointing after head coach Antonio Pierce emphasized the need to get White more involved in the offense. If the former Georgia Bulldogs national champion is ruled out for Sunday’s game, Ameer Abdullah may see more carries behind lead back Alexander Mattison.
Raiders need last year’s version of Zamir White
Many fans expected a breakout season from Zamir White after he posted 451 rushing yards last year. However, the 25-year-old has struggled significantly in the 2024-25 season so far (though Mattison hasn’t been much better). Over six games, White is averaging just 3.0 yards per carry, leaving Raider Nation and fantasy owners questioning the 2022 fourth-round pick’s performance.
Despite this, Pierce remains confident in White. Adding another effective runner could be a crucial lift for an offense desperate for consistent first downs. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy may already be under pressure, and leveraging White’s potential could be key to turning things around.
White’s availability for Week 9 is uncertain, though. The Raiders are monitoring his status, but last-minute injury downgrades often lead to game-day inactives. They’ll need to rely on their often-lacking intangibles to take down Joe Burrow and the 3-5 Bengals.