Zack

Crockett

Coach Norv Turner says Amos Zereoue and Crockett will handle the bulk of work with Wheatley out. Since he’ll be the goal-line back, Crockett is worth a look for a short-term RB fix.

Wasn’t Norv Turner supposed to be a good coach for the running game? The Raiders scored 40 points despite only 57 yards rushing today.

“We’ve given it a lot of thought,” coach Norv Turner said, “and somehow we need to get Zack back in as a short-yardage guy.” He’s still not much of a fantasy option, but is worth owning in very deep leagues.

Crockett will get all the goal-line carries for the Raiders the rest of the way, so he could have a small amount of fantasy value.

It may be another two years before he sees those kind of reps again.

Then why did he only score twice last year? The Raiders hope to use Crockett in short-yardage more this season now that they have more healthy fullbacks to block. It’s a potential buzzkill to LaMont Jordan’s value.

The Raiders’ backfield is now quite full, and on paper it would appear they’re poised to use a running back by committee. Griffith averaged 5.6 yards-per-carry in 2006 and is a capable receiver, though he’ll be hard pressed to become a factor in fantasy football. This could spell the end of Zack Crockett’s tenure in Oakland and leaves ReShard Lee, Joe Echemandu, and Justin Fargas possibly competing for a roster spot.

O’Neal is a big fullback who didn’t see much action as a receiver with the Indians. The Raiders will likely release Zack Crockett after the draft.

Crockett was not on the field near the goal line either time the Raiders were inside the ten-yard line.

Crockett is expected to split time with John Paul Foschi at fullback, while getting looks at halfback. He’s always a threat to get the ball around the goal line because of his physical style of running.