Team news: Green Bay Packers | Page 26

Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said that RB Josh Jacobs is questionable for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.

Jacobs practiced Friday, but Gruden went ahead and determined he is still questionable after missing practice Thursday. Jacobs has been excellent in two games and is needed if the Raiders hope to win on a short week.

In his weekly Patriots mailbag column, Doug Kyed of NESN.com was asked who he thought would be Bill Belichick's focus on defense: RB Josh Jacobs or TE Darren Waller. "I would probably say tight end Darren Waller, though I could certainly understand if the Patriots stack the box and try to slow down running back Josh Jacobs," wrote Kyed.

"As for Waller, I think we’ll see a combination of cornerback/safety Joejuan Williams (with help) and cornerback Stephon Gilmore covering the big, speedy tight end. Kyle Dugger, Adrian Phillips and Terrence Brooks also could get some reps against Waller, but I think Williams and Gilmore are the best matchups for the Patriots."

It is no secret that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has no problem shutting down one player on the opponent's offense. After Waller's double-digit catch performance on Monday Night Football, it is clear who QB Derek Carr likes to target. This could be an issue for the Raiders offense that is relying on two rookie wide receivers and a 7th-round slot receiver.

According to Paul Gutierrez on Twitter, Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs missed Thursday's practice session.

Jacobs was listed as 'DNP' on Wednesday, but that was just an estimated practice report required by the NFL. Thursday is their first actual practice due to the short week. Jacobs has been handed a true workhorse role for the Raiders, and is on pace for over 400 carries, managing his reps during the week is likely both in the player's, and the team's best interests. He is expected to play this weekend. Jacobs is our 10th ranked running back for Week 3.