ALAMEDA, Calif. _ Running back Isaiah Crowell, who signed a one-year contract with the Raiders a month ago to help offset the potential absence of Marshawn Lynch, sustained an Achilles' tendon tear during a team workout Tuesday and is out for the season.
Not long after the Raiders were confronted with the reality of being without the man they expected to be one of their primary ballcarriers, the NFL Network reported Doug Martin would return to the fold.
Crowell, 26, signed a one-year contract worth $2.5 million contract on March 28, the same day the Raiders signed linebacker Brandon Marshall.
The story was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and confirmed by the Bay Area News Group.
The Raiders drafted Alabama running back Josh Jacobs last Thursday in the first round of the NFL draft, No. 24 overall, and he is expected to assume the role of lead back.
However, Jacobs played in more of a part time role at Alabama, carrying 120 times for 640 yards as a junior before declaring for the draft. That was good for third on the Crimson Tide in rushing behind Damien Harris (150 carries, 876 yards) and Najee Harris (117 carries, 783 yards).
While Jacobs is eager to prove he can step up in terms of work load, Crowell offered valuable experience and is the kind of no-nonsense, move-the-chains back at 5-foot-11, 225 pounds that coach Jon Gruden has long sought.
Crowell gained 685 yards on 143 carries last season for the New York Jets, averaging 4.8 yards per carry with a long run of 77 yards. He played four seasons with Cleveland from 2014 through 2017 and was a 16-game starter his last two seasons with the Browns.
In his five-year career, Crowell has 880 yards on 3,803 carries with 27 touchdowns and 117 receptions for 922 yards and a touchdown.
Martin led the Raiders last season with 723 yards on 172 carries and four touchdowns in 16 games and nine starts. Lynch started six times and had 376 yards on 90 attempts and three scores before missing the rest of the season with a groin injury.
While Martin current remains on the market, ESPN reported March 24 that Lynch had retired. There has been no confirmation from Lynch himself, however.
Other running backs on the Raiders roster include Jalen Richard, who has been primarily a receiving backs, DeAndre Washington and Chris Warren III. The Raiders released running back James Butler on Tuesday.
Washington hasn't averaged four yards per carry since an outstanding rookie season in 2016. Warren, a power back, led the NFL with 292 yards rushing in the preseason last season then was stashed on injured reserve with a minor knee injury.
