HENDERSON, Nev. — Sincere McCormick’s journey in professional football could have led him to quit at various points. Many players in similar situations might have chosen to walk away. However, McCormick persevered through injuries, being waived, and spending significant time on the practice squad, ultimately earning the role of starting running back for the Las Vegas Raiders after a challenging three seasons.
“The journey I’ve gone through is well-known, and it’s proof that hard work and dedication yield results,” McCormick reflected. “It’s about being patient and prepared at all times because you never know what opportunities may arise.” After going undrafted from Texas-San Antonio, he signed with the Raiders in 2022 but faced immediate setbacks that landed him on injured reserve just three weeks later, a fate that foreshadowed his ensuing challenges.
This season initially seemed no different for McCormick, as he primarily remained on the practice squad, with Zamir White and Alexander Mattison serving as the team’s top running backs, alongside veteran Ameer Abdullah also on the roster. However, due to injuries to both White and Mattison, McCormick seized the chance to step up and has secured his starting position even with Mattison returning from an ankle issue ahead of the Raiders’ matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.
McCormick joined the Raiders after a standout season in 2021 where he led Conference USA with 1,479 rushing yards and scored 15 touchdowns, earning the title of league Offensive Player of the Year while guiding the Roadrunners to the C-USA championship. He has revitalized a running back position that has encountered difficulties this season, employing a direct, forceful running style.
White struggled during his playing time, managing only 183 yards with a 2.8 yards-per-carry average before being sidelined for the rest of the season with a quadriceps injury. Mattison performed somewhat better, gaining 320 yards at a 3.3-yard average; however, neither player has been able to replicate the success of Josh Jacobs, who now plays for the Green Bay Packers after parting ways with the Raiders in the offseason. Jacobs has already amassed 1,053 rushing yards this season with an average of 4.4 yards per carry entering Week 15.
While McCormick might not be the next Jacobs, he has demonstrated potential by averaging 5.5 yards per carry over his last three games, totaling 175 rushing yards. In a recent game against Tampa Bay, McCormick rushed for 78 yards on 15 carries, even as the Raiders fell 28-13. Coach Antonio Pierce noted that McCormick proactively inquired at the end of the prior season about what he needed to do to earn a chance, and was advised to have an impressive offseason.
Taking that counsel seriously, McCormick’s performance in training camp became a key topic among the coaching staff, although they still anticipated it would be a while before he could make a significant contribution. When the final roster was set to 53 players, McCormick found himself back on the practice squad, waiting for a much-needed opportunity.
“What distinguishes him is that he was always ready,” Pierce stated. “The consistency we’ve observed in practice is now translating into his performances in games. He’s the kind of player who grinds and seizes the opportunities presented to him.” McCormick credited the support of the coaching staff but emphasized the importance of maintaining self-belief throughout his journey.
His confidence has only strengthened with each carry, as he explained, “Everything feels like it’s unfolding in slow motion. The skills we practice come to fruition during the game. As I accumulate more snaps and repetitions, I continuously improve—getting stronger and faster—as I adapt to the game.”
On the quarterback front, Aidan O’Connell’s status remains uncertain as he missed three consecutive practice sessions due to a bruised left knee sustained in the game against the Buccaneers. He is currently listed as questionable for the upcoming game. Should O’Connell be unable to play, Desmond Ridder, who started 13 games for the Falcons last season, would be called upon. “O’Connell is progressing,” Pierce shared, noting that they would monitor the situation leading up to Monday night’s game.