Raiders News: Oakland Signs Running Back Ahead Of Week 14

The Oakland Raiders are tied with the San Francisco 49ers for the worst record in the NFL. While the passing game has had its occasional bright spots, the ground game is No. 22 in rushing yards at just 105.3 yards per game.

With three games remaining in the season, and with the Raiders looking towards 2019, the team is seeking help at running back. According to ESPN's sources, the Raiders are close to signing veteran C.J. Anderson.

Anderson was released by the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 12 after signing a one-year deal for $1.75 million in the offseason. The former Denver Broncos star had just 24 rushes on the season for 104 yards, as Christian McCaffrey received a bulk of the carries.

The Raiders are expected to seek a running back in the draft but might use the final stretch of the season to give Anderson a good look as an impending free agent. The 27-year-old rushed for 1,007 yards in 2017 and has 883 career receiving yards. Anderson has 25 career touchdowns in just 67 games.

Oakland has relied on veterans in 2018 to little success. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Doug Martin, 29, leads the team with just 445 rushing yards and two touchdowns over 12 games.

Head coach Jon Gruden said Monday that he is unsure if Marshawn Lynch, who has played in just six games due to a groin injury, will play again this season. The 32-year-old last played on Oct. 15 in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Lynch has rushed for 376 yards on the season.

Both Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington, who are both 25 years old, have not scored a touchdown this season. Richard has rushed for 214 yards, while Washington has rushed for 85.

Anderson's ball security might have factored into Oakland's decision to sign him. Anderson has only lost three fumbles in his career. Richard, Washington and Martin all lost fumbles against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.