Is Zamir White The Starting Running Back For the Raiders When He Returns?

October 15, 2024

Will Zamir White start for the Las Vegas Raiders when he returns? John Johnson breaks down the Zamir White return timeline and fantasy football outlook.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White is on the short list of biggest busts of the 2024 fantasy football season. Some players that initially looked like whiffs have hit their stride, like New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. But White has not been remotely startable so far.

The third-year running back has not scored over 7 PPR points in a single game this year, is now the RB66 in full-PPR scoring, and has likely been responsible for plenty of losses by fantasy managers. He's averaged just 3.1 yards per carry, scored zero touchdowns, and hasn't had much involvement in the passing game.

So will Zamir White start for the Raiders when he returns?

Will Zamir White Start For The Raiders When He Returns?

It's possible, but his backup, Alexander Mattison, has easily outproduced him when accounting for receiving work. Despite this, both have had terrible efficiency running the ball. Opponents aren't afraid of Las Vegas' passing game and can dedicate more resources to stopping the run.

Donte Jackson gets his first interception of the day against this lackluster raiders offense 👀 pic.twitter.com/2SQhY4cktQ

— Ninety 😤 (@Wattaburgher) October 13, 2024

The truth is, it may not matter who is the "starting" running back for the Raiders. They could continue to utilize a committee where both backs are ineffective, as that's been the case so far. However, when White has been given significant carries, he's failed to produce. He's also fumbled the ball twice.

Without Zamir White the last two weeks, Alexander Mattison has had a running back rush share per game rate of 74.3%. With Zamir White, that number is 25.1%.

— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) October 14, 2024

There's been no official word on Mattison getting the starting job, but head coach Antonio Pierce has stated that he's earned extra work, so it's likely he'll maintain an expanded role when White returns to the lineup.

#Raiders RB Zamir White, dealing with a groin injury, was back at practice on Friday, but he's still considered a long-shot to play, source said.

Las Vegas had previously downgraded Jakobi Meyers (ankle) to doubtful, as well.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2024

The 25-year-old returned to practice Friday, which bodes well for a potential return to play in Week 7.

Zamir White Fantasy Football Outlook

It seems that his reputation was based on four games to end 2023. He had a nice game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 16 especially, which skyrocketed his draft stock heading into 2024. Kansas City didn't have a great run defense last year, so it's possible the boost in his reputation was misguided.

ZAMIR WHITE MIGHT HAVE JUST KILLED THE GAME WITH THIS RUNpic.twitter.com/CyMgYCQuh4

— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 25, 2023

Many running backs break out after having highly efficient seasons but not enough volume, thus leading to the coaching staff increasing their volume for the next season. It's less common for a backup to step into a workhorse role, and then dominate for a full season when the former lead RB leads the team.

This appears to be the situation with the former Georgia Bulldog here. The biggest equalizer in the NFL is opposing defenses having a season's worth of tape on an offensive player. They will exploit any weaknesses in his game to the maximum.

White is not startable. He should not be rostered in most leagues. Even if his backup, Alexander Mattison, were to miss time with injury, the third-year-pro is not a good pass-catching back, and so doesn't have PPR upside. He doesn't have touchdown upside either.

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