Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick was forced to exit Monday night’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons after suffering an ankle injury early in the second quarter. The injury occurred when McCormick hauled in a pass from quarterback Desmond Ridder on first-and-10, was shoved out of bounds, and appeared to roll his ankle awkwardly.
Initially listed as questionable, McCormick was seen limping to the locker room with the assistance of trainers. The Raiders later ruled him out in the third quarter.
Before exiting, McCormick rushed seven times for just eight yards and added 17 receiving yards on two catches. At the time of his injury, the Raiders trailed the Falcons 7-0.
This game was supposed to be a significant opportunity for McCormick, an undrafted second-year player who had spent much of his career fighting for relevance on the practice squad. For the past three seasons, he sat on the periphery of the team, waiting for his chance to shine as the Raiders’ primary ball carrier.
McCormick’s Recent Momentum Cut Short
Over the last few weeks, McCormick had finally begun to show promise in an otherwise dismal season for Las Vegas. In last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he delivered his best performance of the year, finishing with 89 total yards on 15 carries and a pair of receptions. That marked a turning point for the young back, as he began to carve out a role in an offense desperate for consistency.
But just as things were looking up, Monday night’s setback halted McCormick’s momentum. Injuries have been a recurring theme in the Raiders’ backfield this season, and McCormick’s absence now adds yet another layer of uncertainty to an already struggling offense.
Alexander Mattison Set to Fill In
With McCormick sidelined, veteran running back Alexander Mattison will step in as the lead back for the remainder of the game. Mattison, who began the season as Las Vegas’ starter, has had a turbulent year himself.
The 26-year-old endured an ankle injury in Week 11 and was only activated this week to make his return. Unfortunately for Mattison and the Raiders, his first season in Las Vegas has been disappointing. After being signed to replace star running back Josh Jacobs, Mattison has struggled to replicate his previous production. He’s averaging significantly fewer yards per game compared to his time with the Minnesota Vikings and has managed just four total touchdowns this season.
Mattison’s struggles are emblematic of the Raiders’ broader offensive issues. He was expected to form a complementary backfield tandem with Zamir White, but White’s efficiency woes (2.8 yards per carry) and quad injury have further complicated matters.
Who’s Left in the Raiders’ Backfield?
The Raiders now face an uphill battle to finish the season as injuries continue to decimate their depth chart. Beyond Mattison, the team has limited options:
- Ameer Abdullah: A veteran presence, Abdullah has primarily been used in passing situations this year.
- Dylan Laube: The rookie remains unproven and could see increased opportunities in the coming weeks.
Zamir White, still recovering from his quad injury, has not played since Week 11 against Miami. The once-promising depth in Las Vegas’ running back room has now thinned to the point of near desperation.
Falcons Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
On the other side, the Atlanta Falcons have their own aspirations to focus on. Despite holding a 6-7 record, the Falcons remain just two games back in the NFC South standings. Monday night’s game was critical for Atlanta as they attempt to stay within striking distance of a division title.
The Falcons’ defense, anchored by players like Grady Jarrett and Kaden Elliss, successfully bottled up McCormick in the early going before his injury. Atlanta’s front seven applied consistent pressure, which helped them maintain control of the game’s tempo.
A Season to Forget for the Raiders
For the Raiders, this game—and the season as a whole—feels like a microcosm of their struggles. Injuries, inefficiency, and a rotating door of players have plagued the team throughout their dismal 2-11 campaign.
Head coach Antonio Pierce, tasked with guiding the franchise through this rocky transitional period, now faces the challenge of keeping his team focused and competitive despite dwindling playoff hopes and morale.
It’s been a frustrating season for fans in Las Vegas, one marked by moments of promise overshadowed by persistent setbacks. Sincere McCormick’s injury is just the latest gut punch for a team already down on its luck.
With three weeks left in the season, the Raiders are limping—literally and figuratively—toward the finish line.
