Aug 26, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA;Las Vegas Raiders running back Damien Williams (32) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports Aug 26, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA;Las Vegas Raiders running back Damien Williams (32) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas Releases Damien Williams Following Josh Jacobs Return

Originally posted on Raiders Newswire | By Corey Hansford | Last updated 8/29/23

Throughout all of training camp, the biggest question surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders was whether All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs would sign his franchise tender and return to the team. With that still up in the air, the Raiders chose to bring in veteran running back Damien Williams for some extra depth.

But with the regular season just around the corner, the Raiders and Jacobs were finally able to come to an agreement on a reworked one-year deal. The NFL’s leading rusher will be back and on the field for the silver and black when they take the field for their season opener against the Denver Broncos.

Unfortunately, the team also needs to make some cuts and get down to the 53-man roster limit, and with Jacobs back, Williams was released by the Raiders according to Ian Rapaport of NFL.com:

With Josh Jacobs back and signed, the #Raiders are releasing
RB Damien Williams, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2023

Once Jacobs returned to the Raiders, this move was a foregone conclusion. While Zamir White is talented, he is an unproven entity and thus having Williams on the roster for depth made a lot of sense. But with Jacobs back to handle starting duties, Williams was no longer a necessity with White and veterans Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden still on the roster as well.

Getting Jacobs back in the fold gives head coach Josh McDaniels the chance to really have this Raiders offense at full power. The Raiders have one of the best receiving trios in the league with Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow along with a promising young tight end in rookie Michael Mayer.

New quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been solid since getting on the field following his return from injury, but Jacobs out of the backfield gives this offense that last piece necessary to take it to the next level. As long as this Raiders offensive line holds up, the Raiders have the chance to be one of the best offenses in all of football.

Unfortunately for Williams, he will now hope to catch on with another team at some point this season. Every team is making cuts before the roster deadline so once the dust settles he will be able to see what potential opportunities are out there for him. He remains a talented player, and while he may not start the roster on a team, many things will happen this season that could result in a chance for him to make an impact somewhere.

This article first appeared on Raiders Newswire and was syndicated with permission.

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