Hunter Renfrow’s Lack of Involvement in the Las Vegas Raiders Offense: A Concerning Trend

Through two games, Hunter Renfrow, with a cap hit of $13.1 million, has only been targeted once, catching a pass for 23 yards. This lack of involvement in the offense is worrisome, especially considering the two-year contract extension he received last offseason. Head coach Josh McDaniels, however, doesn’t blame Renfrow for his limited role.

“He should have gotten the ball more than he did yesterday,” McDaniels expressed during a media availability. “Hunter has done everything right, and sometimes the passing game is a result of our own execution and the defense’s actions. While we’ve missed some opportunities, it’s not because of Hunter.”

According to Pro Football Reference, Renfrow has only been on the field for 39% of the team’s offensive snaps. This decline in his role since McDaniels became head coach is concerning, especially considering his successful 2021 season and Pro Bowl selection.

Hunter Renfrow’s Invisibility in Week 2

Renfrow’s lack of involvement is becoming a glaring issue for the Raiders. After going without a single target in the previous week, he remained largely invisible in Week 2. ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez questioned what is happening with Renfrow, highlighting missed opportunities and a lack of targets from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

“There were at least a few other occasions in which Renfrow was running free but Garoppolo did not see him,” Gutierrez wrote. “If Renfrow wants to be more involved, it’s essential for Garoppolo to target him. Otherwise, the offense becomes predictable and Renfrow’s value diminishes.”

Although Renfrow caught 103 passes and made the Pro Bowl in 2021, his production has declined significantly in recent seasons.

The Need for a Breakout Game from Hunter Renfrow

Renfrow’s struggles have become a major topic of discussion among Raiders fans. To quell these concerns, a breakout game would be ideal for Renfrow. In Week 3, the Raiders face the Pittsburgh Steelers, and this presents an opportunity for Renfrow to shine.

In the previous season, Renfrow had a strong performance against the Steelers, with four catches for 42 yards and a touchdown. Replicating those numbers would go a long way in easing worries about his role in the offense. With Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers as other receiving options, Renfrow must find a way to connect with Garoppolo. Failure to do so may result in his tenure with the Raiders coming to an end, as the team cannot afford a highly paid receiver who doesn’t contribute to the offense.

About the Author: Austin Boyd

Austin Boyd has been covering the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers for Heavy.com since 2019. As a Los Angeles native, his work at Heavy includes interviews with NFL stars Darren Waller and Joe Montana, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at “The Shop.”

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