Typically, the third game of the preseason is used as a “dress rehearsal” for the regular season. However, it seems unlikely that the Raiders’ starters are going to play much, if at all in Week 3. Jon Gruden doesn’t like to overwork his starters in meaningless games, especially on a foreign field.
But that doesn’t mean there won’t be several intriguing players to keep an eye on when the Raiders take on the Packers on Thursday night. So without further ado, let’s take a look at four players you should watch in the third preseason game.
1. RB Josh Jacobs
After not playing in the first game of the preseason, rookie running back Josh Jacobs ran exclusively with the first team in Week 2, totaling 20 yards on four carries. Will Jacobs play in Week 3 if Derek Carr and the rest of the offensive line isn’t on the field? That should be a good test case to see how much the team values their new every-down back.
If Jacobs plays, look to see how the Raiders use him. Are they keeping him in as a blocker on passing downs or are they allowing him to go out on pass routes? Is he being motioned to the slot or is he just running routes from the backfield? If Jacobs does indeed play, don’t expect him to be in the game for very long as the Raiders need him to stay healthy for Week 1 of the regular season.
2. WR Keelan Doss
After back to back strong games, UC Davis receiver Keelan Doss is making a strong case that he deserves to be on the 53-man roster. After catching a touchdown in Week 1 of the preseason, Doss followed up that performance with five catches against the Arizona Cardinals.
Doss has been a Pro Football Focus star, grading out as one of the best rookies in the preseason. Take a look at what they had to say about his performance through two weeks:
Doss, far from a one-tool player, has been targeted eight times on six different routes this preseason which has warranted a 130.7 passer rating when targeted. The former FCS standout also caught his first NFL touchdown on the Rams’ four yard-line on an inside slant. His NFL size (6-foot-2, 211 pounds) will be his best friend when battling for a roster spot entering 2019.
Doss is in a battle with 2018 late-round pick Marcel Ateman for the final spot on the 53-man roster. The player who ultimately makes the team might be the one who can prove to be the most reliable special teams player and blocker. Look for both players to play a significant amount of snaps over the next two weeks.
3. LG Jonathan Cooper
With Richie Incognito suspended and Gabe Jackson set to miss the first month of the season with a knee injury, the Raiders are relying on veteran Jonathan Cooper to hold down the fort at left guard. Unfortunately, that hasn’t gone so well through the first two weeks of the preseason.
According to Pro Football Focus, Cooper has been the team’s “lowest-graded offensive player through two preseason games.” That should be concerning as the Raiders begin to prepare for Vic Fangio’s defense in Week 1 of the regular season. Hopefully, Cooper is just knocking off the rust and improves significantly over the next two weeks.
4. CB Nick Nelson
One of the deepest positions on the Raiders’ roster is at cornerback, where Oakland has several players on the roster bubble. One such player is 2018 fourth-round pick Nick Nelson, who may be on the outside looking in for a roster spot.
With Gareon Conley, Daryl Worley and Trayvon Mullen considered locks to make the roster, that likely leaves one spot available for the rest of the cornerbacks. Nelson is competing with 2019 fourth-round pick Isaiah Johnson, who is a spectacular athlete with size and length. Neither has stood out so far, but Johnson has missed significant time with a concussion since Week 1.
Given that Nelson is the second slot corner on the roster behind Lamarcus Joyner, he needs to stand out in the next two preseason games to win over the coaching staff. Look for Nelson to play extensively on Thursday night against the Packers.
