Taiwan Jones may be the new Raiders starting RB. (Getty)
Latavius Murray headed to the locker room Sunday after taking a vicious hit from safety Mike Mitchell. Murray went down instantly and stayed down, while losing control of the football. The injury started the beginning of the end for Oakland, as turnovers and mistakes caused them to collapse late. Despite leading early, they fell to 4-4 after losing to the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Before this play, Murray led the game in rushing, compiling 96 yards on 17 carries.
While it’s a serious injury for Murray, who has suffered concussions before, it opens up a spot what is now a legitimate Raiders offense. Oakland has a developed line, and they finally have a balance with Derek Carr under center and Amari Cooper on the outside. Whoever gets the start for the Raiders moving forward should have no problem moving the football.
If Murray is unable to return next week, the best bet is on Taiwan Jones to become the Raiders starter. Veteran Marcel Reece will be in the mix, but the Raiders are excited about Jones’ big-play potential. Jones touchdown run against the Jets last week is any indication of what he’s capable of.
If Murray does indeed have a concussion, he may not return to the field right away. Murray missed multiple weeks of practice with a concussion last season, when he left a Thursday night game in Kansas City at halftime.
Jones would be a definite flex, low-end RB2 next week at home against the Vikings.