Marcel Reece has long been a huge part of the Raiders organization. His work ethic, toughness and versatility at fullback give Oakland a multi-dimensional playmaker and leader.
The Raiders have liked him since he joined the team in 2009, and he’s been admired around the league as well, as his four Pro Bowl selections show.
Yet Reece was suspended Monday for four games without pay by the NFL for an alleged violation of the league’s ban on use of performance-enhancing substances.
According to the Raiders, Reece appealed the suspension but was unsuccessful. Head coach Jack Del Rio said Reece argued that he took something he did not know was banned.
“I know he’s disappointed and doesn’t feel like it’s really justified,” Del Rio told Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle.
So, as the 7-8 Raiders head into their season finale against the Chiefs in Kansas City Sunday (1:25 p.m. kickoff), Jamize Olawale is expected to fill Reece’s role on offense.
And, there doesn’t figure to be much of a dropoff.
Sports
Olawale has had his best season and his playing time has increased. In the Raiders’ last game against the Chargers, Reece was in for just 15 snaps, while Olawale played seven. Del Rio said Monday that Reece has played just 25 percent of the Raiders’ snaps this season.
Olawale’s production, too, has been excellent. He ranks third on the team in rushing yards with 110 on 24 carries, a 4.6-yard average. Reece has carried just 10 times for 36 yards (3.6 average). Reece’s biggest contributions have been as a blocker and receiver. He’s caught 30 passes (tied for fourth on the team) for 269 yards and five touchdowns. Olawale has eight catches for 70 yards.
The Raiders think so much of the 26-year-old Olawale, in fact, that they signed him to a three-year contract extension earlier this month.
At the time, Olawale told reporters it “feels great.”
“I love what we’re building and I’m happy to be a part of it,” he said.
Reece, who is 30, has one year left on his deal. He will be allowed to participate in the team’s offseason program, training camp and exhibition games, but will have to sit out the team’s first three regular-season games of 2016.
