Jalen Richard

Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington expected to 'split load' in Oakland backfield

Oakland Raiders running backs Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington are expected to "split the load" in Latavius Murray's (toe) absence, per ESPN Raiders reporter Paul Gutierrez.

What It Means:

Richard and Washington have been splitting work pretty evenly behind Murray, but ahead of last week's victory over the Baltimore Ravens, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Raiders would like to get Washington more involved. Washington is expected to start, but Richard should have just as much opportunity to put some fantasy points on the board. Murray could be facing additional time off past Week 5, so Richard and Washington are both worth rostering in most leagues.

Richard led all Raiders running backs in Week 4 with 0.01 Rushing Net Expected Points (NEP) on two attempts. Murray finished with -2.12 Rushing NEP on eight carries, while Washington turned in -3.20 Rushing NEP on his five totes.