Trent Richardson found himself the subject of a lot of online scrutiny over the weekend after the running back failed to hit a giant hole in the offensive line in the Oakland Raiders' first preseason game. Instead he ran right into traffic resulting in very little production. While that play can be highly debated, it is another knock on Richardson as he attempts to rebuild his NFL career and make the final 53-man roster. As Latavius Murray continues to excel along with players like Michael Dyer, is Richardson destined to be released?
According to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL Media, Richardson is not a lock to make the final roster and continues to suffer setbacks in his question to return as a dominating running back. Richardson arrived in Oakland and promptly failed the conditioning test after getting sick before training camp. He then made very little impact during the first preseason game as pressure mounts to improve and improve quickly.
"I'm very driven, first of all, because I have kids," Richardson said, vi the team website. "Second of all, I have a lot to prove to myself, then will come the world. Everybody wants to put pressure on me, and that pressure is nothing but greatness. These people want me to be great out here. I'm just driven, man."
Richardson has the confidence of head coach Jack Del Rio, but if he going to get the start for the Raiders he is going to have to pry it out of the hands of Latavius Murray who is the favorite right now. Murray came into camp as the expected No.1 rusher following the departures of Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew. That has not changed as Richardson continues to struggle. According to the San Jose Mercury News, Murray is the team's expected starter and he is making sure that continues to be true.
''My mentality is to go out and be that guy,'' Murray said, via Yahoo Sports. ''It's about putting a series of carries together and getting comfortable back there. The main thing is I know how to do it. I just need to stay healthy.''
The Raiders have plenty of position battles taking place in training camp that will help the offense improve in the upcoming season. Clive Walford is pushing Mychal Rivera out of the starting spot while Andre Holmes and Rod Streater battle to play alongside Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. However, right now the focus is on the run game and what the future of Richardson looks like.