Abdullah Has Been an Underrated Asset for the Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders veteran running back Ameer Abdullah is in his ninth NFL season.

While his days as a starter are likely behind him, Abdullah has found ways to still contribute in other areas of the game, primarily on special teams.

For players of his caliber, it can be difficult to accept a more under-the-radar role. A former second-round pick, Abdullah has made the most of it though, doing whatever he can to help his team, a trait that speaks volumes to Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce.

"[H]ere's a guy, one of the first guys that are down there on kickoff, on special teams going down there," Pierce told reporters Friday. "Huge tackles. I don't know if -- he has 10-plus tackles on special teams, which is a good year for a special teams player. 

"But just his physicality -- you look at him, you wouldn't think nothing about that, right? But one of the stronger players. He plays with that chip on his shoulder, he's very dynamic. 

"And then in the passing game for us on third down, his ability to make plays. And obviously, we've got to keep working on that and growing that role for him as well, but I just appreciate the unselfishness. Here's an elite running back, a guy that can really change the game probably for most teams and he has to take a step back because we have one of the best running backs in our room [Josh Jacobs]."