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Oakland Raiders Training Camp: Helu on IR, Aldon Smith in Rehab

By Maurice Moton

September 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Aldon Smith (99) during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Aldon Smith (99) during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Raiders running back Roy Helu (26) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Roy Helu (26) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Back Roy Helu on Injured Reserve

The Raiders announced four roster moves on Friday.

The team placed running back Roy Helu on injured reserve. Del Rio commented on the transaction before it officially went public. He briefly talked about the veteran back’s minimal production during the previous season and the player’s decision to undergo two hip surgeries. The combination likely led to shutting him down.

With Helu in the background, rookie running back DeAndre Washington will see an uptick in reps and opportunities to lock his spot on the depth chart as the No. 2 ball-carrier behind Latavius Murray.

As fringe players looking to hold onto roster spots, running backs George Atkinson III and Jalen Richard should benefit most from Helu’s absence. Taiwan Jones primarily took snaps on special teams as a returner during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp.

The Raiders may carry another dual-threat or receiving back behind Murray and Washington on the depth chart.

Next: New Defensive Lineman

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