Former Alabama power back and current Las Vegas Raider Josh Jacobs has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Steelers. In what was supposed to be a matchup between two former Crimson Tide teammates in Jacobs and Steelers’ running back Najee Harris, Jacobs will sit with a toe/ankle injury, giving another Crimson Tide alumni Kenyan Drake the starting role for Las Vegas. 

Jacobs sat out of practice all week after getting banged up in Monday night’s incredible win over the Ravens, and will spend the week recovering from a toe and ankle injury, Raiders coach Jon Gruden announced Friday.

The third-year back helped lead the Raiders on Monday night, taking 10 carries for 34 yards and two touchdowns.

There’s no doubt that Kenyan Drake will see the majority of the snaps come Sunday, but fans are likely to see third-string back Peyton Barber in a more upgraded backup role as Gruden loves to use Barber in the passing game. 

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The Raiders are facing a Steelers defensive front that torched the Bills in the second half of their Week 1 matchup, so expect QB Derek Carr to favor the passing game more than he might like to.

Steelers RB Najee Harris will have the Tuscaloosa spotlight on him as fans of the Crimson Tide are still waiting for Harris to emerge as the running back we saw on Saturdays last season. 

Following a Week 1 that featured Mac vs Tua, Alabama fans were looking forward to Harris vs Jacobs in Week 2, but I guess Kenyan Drake filling in isn’t so bad.

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