Oakland Raiders News: Taiwan Jones Taking First Team Reps In Practice

Nov 6, 2011; Oakland CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Taiwan Jones (22) returns to the locker room before the game against the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

The Oakland Raiders backfield has been hit hard with injuries. Starting running back Darren McFadden and his key backup Mike Goodson have both gone down with ankle injuries. That leaves the Raiders thin at running back and exploring all options heading into this weekend’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

With the options thin at running back, the Raiders have turned to the speedster Taiwan Jones.

Jones has been working with the first-team during practice and has gotten the reps with starters. It will be one of the first times in Jones’ career that he could see a featured role but many worry that he may not be able to handle all of the carries.

If that is the case, Marcel Reese could also see an extended role.

Last week, when McFadden and Goodson went down, Reese saw a majority of the reps over Jones. So while Jones could be getting extended work with the first team during practice, it is not out of the question to believe Reese could still get a bulk of the carries.