With Josh Jacobs not being re-signed by the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, the team is expected to rely more on multiple running backs. Ameer Abdullah’s role is anticipated to remain relatively unchanged.
Last season, he primarily served as a third-down back, and this is likely to continue if he remains on the roster. However, Abdullah’s position on the team became somewhat uncertain with the selection of Dylan Laube in the sixth round of the draft. Laube is seen as a potential third-down running back in the NFL and will have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
According to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, this competition could jeopardize Abdullah’s place on the team.
Ballentine noted in a column dated May 8, “Laube is relatively mature for a running back prospect at 24 years old. While this may have affected his draft value, it also suggests that the Raiders might have increased confidence in his ability to contribute immediately.
“Abdullah is approaching the age where running backs typically decline, and he represents a relic of the Josh McDaniels era. … It wouldn’t be unexpected to see him released outright if Laube demonstrates his worth.
Abdullah, at 30 years old, is entering the phase where running backs often see a decline, although he has only surpassed 100 carries in a season twice throughout his career. Since joining the Raiders, he hasn’t made a significant impact, accumulating just 342 receiving yards over two seasons. However, Abdullah might hold an edge over Laube by virtue of his familiarity with the team’s roster.”