Big day for Raiders’ tight end Foster Moreau

This is clearly a special day for Las Vegas Raiders second-year backup tight end Foster Moreau.

It was Dec. 8, 2019, that the fourth-round pick from LSU tore his ACL on an ugly, freak play against the Tennessee Titans. Although he had a quick recovery and has played in every game this season, the injury experience is clearly part of Moreau’s journey and he marked the one-year anniversary on Tuesday via Twitter.

It’s my opinion that the Raiders need to start using Moreau more and that may have already begun as Moreau played 20 snaps in the Raiders’ win at the New York Jets on Sunday, while veteran Jason Witten — who has out-snapped Moreau for much of the season — played 16 snaps.

In Week 12 against the Atlanta Falcons, Witten played 17 snaps and Moreau was on the field for just eight offensive plays.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

I’ve never understood the purpose of Witten playing more than Moreau. Witten is 37 and at 23, Moreau is just getting his career started. I realize Witten, who signed this offseason from the Dallas Cowboys, is a leader and he has some blocking and short-yardage receiving value.

But it doesn’t make sense to bury Moreau. He got more chances as a rookie (and he delivered) than this year. In 2019, Moreau had 21 catches on 25 targets and he had five touchdowns. This year, Moreau has four catches on just five targets.

I think that’s a waste. I don’t believe we can use the injury as an excuse for his lack of action. Moreau has played in every game this season and he has practiced regularly.

Moreau has a chance to be a nice complement to star Darren Waller. As he hits this health milestone, it’s time for the Raiders to reward their draft pick with more playing time.