Star running back Josh Jacobs is apparently waiving a holdout and reportedly facing a return to the Las Vegas Raiders after a month-long absence.

The exceedingly difficult market for running backs this offseason may have claimed its next high-profile victim.

As reported by the “Las Vegas Review-Journal” and Josina Anderson of “CBS Sports”, Josh Jacobs is expected to return to the Las Vegas Raiders before the game in week one of the new NFL season (10.09. against the Denver Broncos).

The 25-year-old had refused to participate in the franchise’s offseason programme after being franchise tagged in March.

Jacobs had then repeatedly hinted at a Las Vegas departure and threatened that he could pull off a holdout in the 2023 season if he failed to sign a long-term deal.

Josh Jacobs probably shows insight like Saquon Barkley

As the preseason slowly draws to a close, the Pro Bowler has apparently decided after all to play “either at the terms of the $10.1 million franchise tag or at a modified salary for one season”.

The latter would be analogous to Saquon Barkley with the New York Giants, who also failed with a strike for a long-term contract and eventually accepted a contract adjustment for the upcoming season.

Former Vikings star Dalvin Cook may have indirectly hurt Jacobs’ negotiating position as well, according to the report, leading to his reported concession. Cook recently agreed to a one-year, seven million dollar contract with the New York Jets, despite the 28-year-old putting up over 1,100 rushing yards in each of his four previous seasons in Minnesota. But he was released in June.

Meanwhile, another star running back, Jonathan Taylor, may be trying to bag a mega-deal despite the negotiating failures of his fellow position players. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Indianapolis Colts player is allowed to negotiate a trade with other teams after he failed in his demand for an extension on top terms with the Colts.