With the 122nd pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Zamir White out of Georgia. The running back is what the Raiders needed after the team declined the fifth-year option on Josh Jacobs.
At Georgia, White totaled highs of 5.4 yards per carry and 11 touchdowns in his final two seasons as a Bulldog. The “weakness” in his game was catching the ball out of the backfield.
As a Bulldog, White caught 17 balls for 132 yards in three seasons. However, his usage in the passing attack increased each year White played at the college.
On the other hand, White has yet to do anything as a Raider.
Literally. White missed every training camp practice due to an undisclosed injury since the team began camp.
https://twitter.com/Eric_Edholm/status/1552682086674432001?s=20&t=GTnprdoWJxLmJ4OtDPt9yg
White missed out on the physically unable to perform list, making the absence worrisome. However, White should be back at practice tomorrow, per Eric Edholm.
Some questioned whether White could be the Raiders starting running back for the 2023 campaign. With Jacobs, Ameer Abdullah and Kenyan Drake set to be free agents, the question made sense.
Although, the Raiders need to see White in action for an accurate answer to that query. Luckily for Raider Nation, the team plays in the Hall of Fame Game next week.
If White can get healthy in time for the game, this would be a great chance to see what the rookie running back could do as a pro. However, if White is unable to play in the game, for whatever reason, that could be a detriment for him going forward.
A rookie can use as many snaps as possible to help establish oneself. However, if a White can’t practice, he won’t be up to speed on the offense.
That is why it is so important for White to be back healthy. If he is the future at the position, the team would have no idea since he is out of practice. Without getting in proper practice time, White will get fewer snaps on game day (if any).