Sep 3, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Roy Helu, Jr. (26) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks safety Keenan Lambert (2) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Roy Helu Jr. could be the chance-of-pace backup the Raiders need -- just not this week.
Helu Jr. won't back Latavius Murray up when the team takes on the Bengals this weekend, according to the team's first depth chart of the regular season. He's listed as the RB3.
Even Taiwan Jones, a converted cornerback, is ahead of him in the pecking order. That's somewhat unexpected; quarterback Derek Carr raved about Helu Jr.'s pass-catching ability a week ago.
Helu Jr. just couldn't find the field in an injury-filled preseason. He managed only eight yards on 11 carries in limited duty.
Oakland has already shown the door to one unproductive running back. It's too early to write off Helu Jr. -- but they always reserve the right to move on.
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