Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was considered doubtful to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday, but he's now officially been ruled out after missing practice all week. The disappointing White is probably being dropped in shallower fantasy formats after disappointing through the first three weeks and now sitting out. Head coach Antonio Pierce already said after the Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns that Alexander Mattison has deserved more touches in the backfield moving forward. Mattison will get his chance as the unquestioned lead back this weekend, albeit in a matchup against a Broncos defense that has been surprisingly strong so far in 2024. Behind Mattison, Ameer Abdullah and rookie Dylan Laube will back him up. With White officially out, Mattison jumps into RB3/flex territory for fantasy managers.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is currently considered doubtful to suit up for the Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos. White was limited on Wednesday and didn't suit up for practice at all on Thursday. The Raiders already said fellow back Alexander Mattison was going to get increased reps this week. Now, Mattison could be the lead back with White unlikely to play. Mattison did a nice job last week as he rushed for 60 yards on five carries. He won't get an easy task against the Broncos defense, but increased snaps should help his value. He should be considered a low-end flex option, assuming White is unable to play.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is not practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. White's status for Sunday's divisional clash against the Denver Broncos is now firmly up in the air. The 25-year-old will probably have to practice on Friday in some fashion to have a shot to suit up. It's bad news for a player whose fantasy stock was already on the decline. He has so far averaged a career-worst 3.1 yards per carry on 49 rushing attempts through four games in 2024, with head coach Antonio Pierce saying after last week's win over the Cleveland Browns that Alexander Mattison deserves more touches. Even if White practices on Friday and is active in Week 5 against Denver, it would not be a surprise to see White play second fiddle to Mattison in Vegas' backfield. If White is ruled out entirely, Mattison would have RB2 upside this weekend, with Ameer Abdullah backing him up.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was reportedly injured in practice on Wednesday and was listed as limited on the injury report. It's more bad news for White, who has been a big disappointment for the Raiders and fantasy managers through the first four weeks of 2024. White's status for the Week 5 divisional clash against the Denver Broncos this Sunday is now firmly in question. If he is limited or unable to suit up, Alexander Mattison would instantly become at least an RB3/flex option in Denver. White has been afforded double-digit carries in three of four games so far, but he's averaged a career-low 3.1 yards per carry and hasn't found the end zone. In addition to Mattison, Ameer Abdullah would have an expanded role in the Raiders' backfield against the Broncos if White's groin injury sidelines him. White has also added just five catches for 16 yards this year.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison is due to receive a larger share of the team's backfield touches moving forward, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. "He's deserved more reps," Pierce said, "and he'll get them." Mattison has been involved in the offense, but primarily as the "third-down" back and a change of pace behind backfield mate Zamir White. White has out-carried the former 49-to-17 through the season's first four weeks, but the former Viking has been more effective with his work -- sporting 5.1 YPC while White averages a whole two yards less. Mattison has looked like the better back, and now he'll get the opportunity to prove it. Fantasy managers may want to exhibit caution before slotting him into their lineup, as he's racked up just two double-digit fantasy point outings thus far. Still, the increased usage and his work in the passing game could keep him in the conversation of a weekly FLEX option moving forward. Las Vegas will gear up for a divisional road matchup when they head to Denver to take on the Broncos in Week 5.