Fullback Marcel Reece is expected to get a second straight start at running back for the Oakland Raiders this week if Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson are unable to play.
McFadden and Goodson have yet to practice this week as each is dealing with a high-ankle sprain.
Reece started at halfback for the Raiders last week in team’s 55-20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. According to Eric Gilmore of CBSSports.com, Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp said Reece will get the call again this week against the New Orleans Saints.
“Outside of just coming in and playing halfback last week -- and he’ll do it again this week -- his ability to pass protect, to run routes, it’s a great chess piece for a coordinator to have,” Knapp said.
The former college wide receiver, turned tight end, turned fullback has been a jack-of-all-trades for the Raiders. Reece carried the ball 13 times for 48 yards against the Ravens last week as Oakland was playing from behind the entire game.
Reece is getting the start over third-string running back Taiwan Jones. Per Gilmore, Knapp said they need to see improvement in ball security and pass protection from Jones before they feel comfortable using him more frequently.
“I’ve got to see (that) in practice first, consistently. And I haven’t seen it consistently in practice, and that’s what we look for, is perfection in practice,” Knapp said.
Per the report, McFadden did some limited running on his injured ankle Thursday but did not participate in practice.