Kenyan Drake Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

When asked Friday whether RB Josh Jacobs' absence means a bigger opportunity for RB Kenyan Drake, Raiders HC Jon Gruden instead talked up RB Peyton Barber. "It's an opportunity for Peyton Barber," Gruden said, evidently seriously. "We think he's a heck of a back coming from Tampa. I've had a chance to really get behind the scenes on him. I like the way he runs and catches and picks up blitzes. Kenyan will continue to play a role in our system no matter who the other back is. We're excited about this opportunity to see what we have." We'd be very surprised if Barber out-carried Drake in Pittsburgh on Sunday -- especially consider Vegas just gave Drake a 2-year, $11 million deal in free agency. But it at least sounds like we shouldn't expect Drake to step into a true every-down role.

The Raiders have ruled RB Josh Jacobs out for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. Jacobs is dealing with toe and ankle injuries, with the toe a holdover from Week 1. His absence makes Kenyan Drake a solid fantasy option against a Steelers defense that allowed 72 rushing yards to Devin Singletary on just 11 carries in the opener. Peyton Barber will be Vegas' #2 RB on Sunday.

Raiders RB Josh Jacobs (toe, ankle) missed his 2nd straight practice on Thursday. He played through the toe issue last week, but the ankle injury is new. Jacobs seems to be in real danger of missing Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, which would leave Kenyan Drake as Vegas' lead back. We'll get another update tomorrow.

Raiders RB Josh Jacobs did not practice on Wednesday and is on the injury report with toe and ankle issues. Jacobs played through the toe problem on Monday night, but the ankle issue is new. We'll get another update on his status tomorrow. Backup RB Kenyan Drake needs to be rostered in all fantasy leagues.

The Raiders have downgraded RB Josh Jacobs to questionable for Monday night's game against the Ravens because of an illness. It's not clear what the illness is. If it were COVID-related, though, Jacobs would have already been ruled out. We'll check on his status Monday evening. Kenyan Drake would start in his place, with Peyton Barber looking like the #2 back. On the Ravens side, Ty'Son Williams, Latavius Murray and Le'Veon Bell stand as potential replacements if Jacobs is out and you're suddenly hard up.

Raiders beat writer Vic Tafur writes that RB Josh Jacobs looks “tougher and faster this camp.” It’s worth noting that Jacobs — entering his 3rd season — is only 23. Tafur also described Kenyan Drake as someone who’ll be "moved around on third downs and in the red zone.” No surprise there. Both RBs are viable picks at ADP, but it’s clear that Drake’s presence will limit Jacobs’ fantasy ceiling.

The Raiders have activated RB Kenyan Drake off the NFI list. Now we get to start learning more about his role with the new team. Vegas also placed RB Theo Riddick on the reserved/retired list

The Raiders have placed RB Kenyan Drake on the non-football injury list to open training camp. The team didn't announce what injury is keeping Drake out. He was seen working on the side with trainers at Wednesday's practice, though. We'll keep an eye on his status in the coming days. RBs Jalen Richard and Theo Riddick, meanwhile, landed on the COVID list. Maybe Josh Jacobs will get a few more chances to show Vegas coaches he can catch passes.

Update: Drake returned to practice on July 30.