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Former Las Vegas Raiders RB Ameer Abdullah.
The Las Vegas Raiders had the worst running game in the NFL last season, but things got a bit better when Ameer Abdullah started getting more attempts. He has more of a reputation for being a receiver out of the backfield, but he’s proven he can be an effective rusher.
Abdullah averaged 4.9 yards per carry in three seasons with the Raiders. With a new coaching staff and front office coming in, Las Vegas decided against bringing the veteran back.
Abdullah has been sitting in free agency for a while, but he’s finally landed with a new team. The San Francisco 49ers announced that they’ve signed the veteran running back.
Abdullah’s dual-threat ability should be a strong fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. He has an uphill battle making the roster this late into training camp, but he’s a savvy veteran who can make plays.
He’s 32 now, so he may only have a couple of seasons left in the tank, but the 49ers will give him a chance to compete in the playoffs. With Christian McCaffrey dealing with injury issues in recent years, there could be an opportunity for a player like Abdullah to make an impact, but he may have to start on the practice squad.
Former Raiders QB Also Signs With 49ers
Abdullah won’t be alone when going to San Francisco. The 49ers also announced that they have signed quarterback Carter Bradley.
Bradley was recently released by the Raiders after spending last season with the team. The former undrafted free agent hasn’t gotten a chance to play an NFL game yet. He’s been around football his whole life, as he’s the son of longtime NFL coach Gus Bradley. Shanahan does great work with quarterbacks, so this could be the best landing spot for Bradley.
Chip Kelly Talks Ashton Jeanty
One reason why the Raiders didn’t need to bring back Abdullah was due to the fact that they used their first-round pick to add running back Ashton Jeanty. Though there’s only been a handful of practices, offensive Chip Kelly has taken note of his unique playing style.
“Ashton has his own unique style,” Kelly said. “I don’t think we’re going to ever coach that out of him. I think he’s amazing after contact and that’s probably one of his biggest strengths. So our job right now is just getting him lined up, having him understand what our offense, what our scheme is and then let him go in terms of his running style.”
Now that Jeanty is in the NFL, he can solely focus on football, which has been big for development.
“That’s what’s most exciting, because you can become the best version of yourself,” Jeanty said. “You can devote all the time you want to the game of football. And this game, you get what you put in. I’m grateful for that and I’m going to keep putting in and getting out great things.”
Jeanty is going to be asked to do a lot as a rookie, and if he’s up to the task, the Raiders could have one of the most improved offenses in the NFL.
