Raiders’ star unlikely to play Sunday against Colts; rookie out

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is unlikely to play Sunday against the Colts, even though interim coach Antonio Pierce said earlier Friday that Jacobs would be a game-time decision.

Jacobs has missed the last two games with a quadriceps injury. He could sit out another Sunday when the Raiders visit Indianapolis for an important game in the AFC wild-card chase.

Jacobs was listed as doubtful on the team’s injury report.

The Raiders conducted walkthroughs Wednesday and Thursday and Jacobs was listed as a nonparticipant on the estimated practice report. He wasn’t on the field for Friday’s practice, either.

“No need to rush it,” Pierce said. “If he can go at (10 a.m.) on Sunday, then he’ll be out there.”

Second-year running back Zamir White will get another opportunity to carry the load if Jacobs is unable to go. White rushed for 145 yards in the Raiders’ 20-14 win against the Chiefs on Christmas Day.

Pierce said White has made the most of his shot.

“He’s earned reps,” Pierce said. “He’s earned playing time and that’s not going to change whether (Jacobs) is out there or not.”

Pierce was more definitive on the status of tight end Michael Mayer. The rookie will miss his second consecutive game Sunday with a toe injury.

Starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (knee) and starting center Andre James (ankle) were listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity Friday.

Eyes on the prize

Pierce said the Raiders are well aware they could still make the playoffs with two games remaining.

There haven’t been many conversations about what it would take, however.

All those variables could become a distraction. The most important thing the Raiders can do to give themselves a chance is win their final two games against the Colts and Broncos.

“Our message this week is horse blinders,” Pierce said. “Look at the Kentucky Derby and all the great races. Don’t look back, don’t look on the side right or left, just look right in front of you. Make it real narrow, tunnel vision. We know what’s in front of us.”

Poker face

Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell struggled in two of the Raiders’ last three games. He led them to a franchise-record 63 points against the Chargers in the third.

It would be difficult to tell just by looking at his face whether he is coming off an up or a down.

“You just don’t know when it’s a good or bad day,” Pierce said. “He has that same poker face, which I appreciate and I love. I really think that takes a lot for a young quarterback to understand that and have that emotional balance of not getting into the highs and the lows of the National Football League and then to read the press good or bad.”

The swings have been wild. But Pierce said the team’s success is not built on whether O’Connell has a huge statistical game.

“I never thought any day we will win a game because of Aidan,” Pierce said. “That was not the plan and is not the plan going forward.”

Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.