The Oakland Raiders, Jon Gruden, and Josh Jacobs have a shot. Though the chances are slim, they can still go to the playoffs with a bit of luck. First, they need to beat the Denver Broncos, however.
Though the Broncos aren't playoff-bound, they should theoretically give their rival Raiders a run for their money on Sunday. If they want to combat that, some of their best players need to be available, such as running back Josh Jacobs, cornerback Trayvon Mullen and safety Lamarcus Joyner.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden knows that and announced on Monday that he would not be making decisions about players' health with the playoffs in mind.
“We're going to play the best players that are available to try to win the game,” Gruden said on Monday, via Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. “We don't have enough bodies to rest players. So, we're going to try to win the game in spite of the circumstances.”
Jacobs, their leading rusher and Pro Bowl alternate, did not play in Sunday's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He has missed two of the Raiders' last three games due to a fractured right shoulder. Both Mullen and Joyner suffered injuries during the game; the former's being one where he was stretchered off with a neck injury, the later a calf injury in the second half.
If Oakland wants to go to the playoffs, they not only need to win on Sunday, they will also be rooting for the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens. If the Texans beat the Tennessee Titans, the Indianapolis Colts beat the Jaguars and Ravens beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, they are in.
Follow Us
Subscribe