Josh Jacobs expected to return to action after MRI

After Josh Jacobs was brought to tears after being forced to sit out against the Titans to protect him from an ailing fractured shoulder, the rookie running back sensation is expected to be back in the fold this Sunday.

Jacobs received an MRI and scans “checked out very positively,” according to Raiders sources who spoke with Ian Rapoport. If Jacobs doesn’t run into any setbacks, he’ll be on the field for Oakland’s home finale against the Jaguars.

Our Evan Groat made the case on Wednesday morning that Jacobs should sit the remainder of the year, suggesting that the Raiders should protect their franchise building block. But Jacobs is such a fiery competitor that he was always expected to fight his way back on the field.

With Jacobs back, the decision to sign running back Rod Smith becomes perplexing. Signing Smith seemed to suggest that Jacobs season might be over and the Raiders would trot out a three-headed group of Smith, DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard. Now, the Smith signing feels unnecessary.

Jacobs will likely remain limited at practice, and we will see what his status is when the Wednesday injury report is made available. But the Raiders should continue to be cautious not to overwork their budding superstar back.