With just one game remaining in the 2024 regular season, the Las Vegas Raiders face a pivotal decision: should they play for a better draft pick or for pride in their rivalry matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday? Given the circumstances, many fans may hope for a loss to secure a higher draft position, despite the Chargers being a long-standing rival. Ahead of the game, the Raiders announced that running back Ameer Abdullah is doubtful to play due to a foot injury. According to sources from The Athletic, Alexander Mattison will start in place of Abdullah.
After spending five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Mattison joined the Raiders this year in hopes of providing depth at running back. However, his performance has fallen short of expectations, accumulating just 400 rushing yards and four touchdowns so far. Although he hasn’t been the primary back in recent weeks, Mattison will get one last chance to prove his worth and show he can be a major contributor in the backfield. Known as a power back throughout his career, Mattison also reached a career-high 32 receptions this season, matching his total from 2021.
