Maurice Jones-Drew candidate to return punts for Oakland Raiders

Dec 29, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew (32) during the National Anthem before their game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders are looking for someone to step up and take the punt return role for the team and they are considering RB Maurice Jones-Drew in that role for the coming season. Jones-Drew was brought onto the roster in the offseason to help carry the load in the running game, but may have another role on the team. It is not exactly a role that could keep him healthier during the year though.

Jones-Drew was slowed with a foot injury the last couple of seasons and he has not been able to get back to that top running back status that he once had sat at. He now has to share the running duties and is looking for any chance to get touches for the football. He will get a shot to be the punt returner for the team, but I can’t see the team risking him in that role during the year. They should look for another option on the roster to fill that role.

Jones-Drew still has to show that he has that explosiveness in the running game. If he can’t even get that part of his game down, then he might be useless in the punt return game anyway.