It has been reported that the Las Vegas Raiders will soon release running back Kenyan Drake.
The 28-year-old joined the team in March 2021. However, he suffered from a broken right ankle in Week 13, resulting in him needing to take a break for the season to recover from the injury.
Since recovering from the injury, he has only played a game with the Raiders against the Minnesota Vikings on August 14. After the match, Drake discussed his performance and progress since returning to the sport.
“I feel great. Mentally, I feel like I’m getting the plays down the more I’m out there in game reps, practice reps. And then physically, I’m just kind of getting out there and getting hit after my injury. I just feel real confident about the strides I’m taking,” Drake said.
Drake’s thoughts on being released
Despite his performance, the Raiders decided to release Drake. Shortly after the announcement, Drake spoke to Josina Anderson regarding his feelings on the situation. He said he was disappointed with his time at the Raiders, especially with the attitude of the staff and lack of opportunities for him to prove himself.
“I never felt like I had a fair shot to really compete for the job coming off the injury. At the end of the day that’s business…,” Drake said.
The athlete continued to explain how he felt that he was not able to compete with some of the newer players, saying that he found it difficult to find a role to play in the team.
“I feel like as time progressed through camp there really wasn’t a role for me to have anymore because they had guys that they brought in, they traded for & I was kind of odd man out, especially coming off my injury. Other than that, I’m at peace with it because I know my capabilities as a player… I’m a playmaker,” Drake added.
Due to his situation, Drake said he was not optimistic about being picked up by another team in time to play for the season. Regardless, he is fine with waiting for a team to sign him on, even if it will take a while.
“I’m just vibing at the crib right now. I’m just waiting on the next 24 hours. I don’t think anyone would trade for me just because of the contract situation. Either way Raiders have to pay me. I’m at peace with the decision,” Drake said.
While being picked up for the current season is unlikely, the athlete’s storied performance and experience make him a prime candidate for other teams looking to expand their roster. He also has shown no desire to retire. Drake said he was confident that a team would want to pick him. He asserted he was a versatile player, able to “fit in any type of scheme” as he was proven to be a “first and second-down back in Arizona.”
“… I’m a professional, at the end of the day I love ball…I don’t think it really matters where, as long as…they give me the opportunity to go in and compete,” Drake said.