Zamir

White

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said the Cowboys are “exploring running back help” ahead of the summer as the team looks to add to a relatively talent-bare backfield led by Javonte Williams. White impressed with his physique but was one of the worst running backs in football in 2024 before being phased out of the Raiders offense in 2025. Even if he signs with Dallas, White, 26, will have little chance to make the team or see consistent usage in what should be a pass-heavy Cowboys offense in 2026.

The free agent running back finished his rookie contract with the Raiders in 2025. He only appeared in six games and logged just 12 carries. With Dolphins UDFA Le’Veon Moss retiring from football, the team could need an extra body for training camp. White would fill that role, though ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes he is expected to work out for other teams in the coming weeks.

Mostert entered Week 17 questionable to play due to knee and ankle injuries. He is not fantasy-relevant on his own. His absence could result in a few late-game touches for RB Zamir White and RB Dylan Laube. Neither player should be anywhere near fantasy lineups, though. Starting RB Ashton Jeanty could feasibly handle all backfield touches against the Giants today.

Jordan Meredith (ankle) was questionable but is active for the Raiders. They had nobody else with a status this week, so these are all healthy scratches. White has not been active since October 5.

Mayer has been sidelined since injuring his ankle in Week 12 against the Browns. Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said he expects rookie WR Jack Bech to be more involved with Thornton, a fellow rookie, sidelined this week. Thornton has caught just 8-of-25 targets for 123 yards this season, though, so his absence in the passing game is hardly significant. Bech should not be started against the Broncos’ elite defense. Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby (knee) is active, as expected.

Mayer was unable to practice all week, rehabbing an ankle injury. He has had bouts of fantasy relevance this year when Brock Bowers has been sidelined, but the Raiders haven’t built a consistent enough passing game for anyone but Bowers to be an easy start. O’Connell will be available to the team as the emergency third quarterback. Holmes’ illness-induced absence against a talented Chargers passing attack is unfortunate. Raiders DT Adam Butler (illness) is active, though.

When asked whether the injury could limit Jeanty in practice this week, Carroll said he hasn’t “heard that it would yet.” The Raiders’ RB1 totaled 108 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in Week 12’s loss to the Browns and is one of the very few bright spots for the offense. It doesn’t sound like Carroll is overly concerned about Jeanty’s injury sidelining him for Week 13 against the Chargers. If he were to miss this week’s game, Zamir White would figure to step in on early downs.

The Raiders enter their showdown with the Cowboys as one of the healthier teams in the league. Raheem Mostert should serve as the primary change of pace option in the backfield behind starter Ashton Jeanty.

The Raiders get back S Lonnie Johnson, who broke his leg in training camp. Rookies, DT Tonka Hemingway and WR Dont’e Thornton, are active tonight as well. The Raiders will ostensibly use the next few weeks to see if one or more of their rookie wide receivers, including Jack Bech, can unseat one of head coach Pete Carroll’s favorites, WR Tyler Lockett.

Mayer’s absence reduces TE Brock Bowers’ positional target competition. Bowers logged a season-high 55 offensive snaps last week after Mayer exited in the first quarter. Bowers is an elite TE1 against a Bears defense missing starting slot CB Kyler Gordon (hamstring) and LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring). Through three games, the unit tied for a league-high 24 receptions allowed to opposing tight ends. The Raiders are also notably keeping RB Raheem Mostert active for the first time this season, while rendering White inactive. Mostert is unlikely to be fantasy-relevant, but he could run efficiently on a handful of carries in a change-of-pace role.