Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Atkinson III flashes speed, hunger to make Raiders roster
Share This Post
Comments
Sunday, August 14, 2016 - 11:30am
Follow @BairCSN

George Atkinson III saw a hole developing to his right and slashed through it. The Raiders running back found open space and, with a defensive back bearing down, chose to turn on the afterburners.

He reached the sideline first, and blew past would-be tacklers en route to a 53-yard touchdown run in Friday’s 31-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

That wasn’t his only highlight on that night.

Atkinson III’s encore was a 35-yard gallop for a second touchdown, an effort showing breakneck speed and an ability to make people miss.

It was an important night for legendary defensive back George Atkinson’s boy, fighting a difficult battle to make the Raiders roster.

“He is very good and very hungry to be a part of the team,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “He has improved. This no question about his speed and his eagerness to help on special teams. … George is a great young man and is working his tail off.”

[BAIR: Top five takeaways from Raiders exhibition win vs Cardinals]

Atkinson III is working hard to make the 53-man roster, a goal that has proven elusive since turning pro.

He signed with the Raiders in 2014 as an undrafted free agent but ended up on the practice squad after the preseason. He spent five games on the active roster then, and more time on the practice squad in 2015.

That resume makes this his last chance. His father is pushing hard, trying to motivate him during this pivotal period.

“He has definitely been in my ear, especially with this being my third year,” Atkinson III said. “With the last two years on the practice squad; I didn’t make the squad. So, this year, he’s been saying I really have to buckle down. He said, ‘as soon as you get the opportunity, you need to let the coaches know you can make the squad.’”

Del Rio emphasized the importance of kick coverage and pass protections while pondering Atkinson III’s performance. He was solid in those areas on Friday night, and must progress in those areas as the preseason proceeds.

He’s in a fight to make the squad as a third backup behind Latavius Murray and DeAndre Washington. Undrafted rookie Jalen Richard is hurt and could miss another game, making this prime time for Atkinson III’s push. He is confident he can do that, but understands there’s more work to do.

“You want to have confidence, but you also need to work on thing that didn’t go right,” Atkinson III said. “You have to continue to get better and continue to display I’m still trying to make the team.”

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Maiocco: With Kap still not throwing, there is no QB competition
Bochy: 'We are taking some blows right now, but it's a tough club'
Cain: Didn't stay aggressive, 'got me out of whack'
Morning Minute: Giants no longer in first; A's fall in 10; Kap still not throwing

Giants

No even-year magic, Giants will have to do this the hard way
Rewind: Bochy sticks with Cain 'a little long,' gets burned
Instant Replay: Fifth inning dooms Cain, Giants swept by Pirates
Giants notes: Bochy considering rotation change for Dodgers
Read More

Athletics

LIVE: A's vs Rangers
A's lineup: Davis in DH spot, Smolinski gets CF nod
Pinder set to join A's, Chapman gets promotion to Triple-A
Instant Replay: A's fall to Rangers in extras on hit by pitch
Read More

Sharks

Source: '99 percent' chance Pavelski will be Team USA captain
Sharks prospects to compete in mini round robin
Patrick Roy shocks, resigns as coach, VP of ops of Avalanche
Logan Couture bulking up, 'not going to survive out there'
Read More

49ers

Baalke: Davis' delay influenced 49ers' draft
49ers expect sidelined WR Smelter to play in preseason
Baalke talks Kap's health, denies he's involved in QB decision
49ers practice 13: Things get chippy; Broncos land more blows
Read More

Raiders

Raiders' Hayden posts strong camp, 'I know it will be a big year'
Raiders roster projection 1.0: McDonald earns spot over Thorpe
Raiders practice 13: Napa training camp 'fun, good, productive'
After Holmes' injury, Raiders sign free agent tight end
Read More

Warriors

Team USA blows past Argentina, into Rio semifinals
It's time for Team USA to get serious, nasty in Rio
Report: Warriors agree to training camp deal with Pressey
Steph Curry no longer shares best odds of winning 2017 MVP
Read More

NCAA

Oregon WR finishes fifth in finals of 100m hurdles at Rio
Oregon WR reaches semis in 110-meter hurdles at Rio
With new QB under center, Stanford leaning on McCaffrey
Cal grad transfer QB Webb 'elevating everybody's game'
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • G-Mag
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G
  • Insider Alex Pavlovic
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

No even-year magic, Giants will have to do this the hard way
(1)
Ray Ratto

GIANTS VIDEO

Bochy: 'We are taking some blows right now, but it's a tough club'
Bochy: 'We are taking some blows right now, but it's a tough club'
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • All A's
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

LIVE: A's vs Rangers
CSN Bay Area staff

A's VIDEO

Glen & Ray: Melvin's 'controversial call' doesn't pay off for A's
Glen & Ray: Melvin's 'controversial call' doesn't pay off for A's
See more >

A's INSIDER

  • Pinder set to join A's, Chapman gets promotion to Triple-A
  • Instant Replay: A's fall to Rangers in extras on hit by pitch
  • Agent: A's handling of Crisp's playing time 'an injustice'
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Source: '99 percent' chance Pavelski will be Team USA captain
(2)
Kevin Kurz

SHARKS VIDEO

Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
Beyond the Scoreboard digital exclusive: 1-on-1 with SAP CDO Jonathan Becher
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Warriors Central
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets
  • Stream the Warriors on Live Extra

Latest News

Team USA blows past Argentina, into Rio semifinals
(2)
Monte Poole

WARRIORS VIDEO

How the sports world reacted to Kevin Durant joining Warriors
How the sports world reacted to Kevin Durant joining Warriors
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider James Ham
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets
  • Stream the Kings on Live Extra

Latest News

The Kings Insider Podcast with James Ham: Omri Casspi
James Ham

Kings Video

Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
Ham: Kings 'making lot of phone calls;' trade on the way?
See more >

KINGS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

Baalke: Davis' delay influenced 49ers' draft
(9)
Matt Maiocco

49ers VIDEO

Maiocco: With Kap still not throwing, there is no QB competition
Maiocco: With Kap still not throwing, there is no QB competition
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • Baalke: Davis' delay influenced 49ers' draft
  • 49ers expect sidelined WR Smelter to play in preseason
  • Baalke talks Kap's health, denies he's involved in QB decision
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

Raiders' Hayden posts strong camp, 'I know it will be a big year'
(5)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS VIDEO

Bair: Revamped Raiders D made life harder on Carr in training camp
Bair: Revamped Raiders D made life harder on Carr in training camp
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • Raiders' Hayden posts strong camp, 'I know it will be a big year'
  • Raiders roster projection 1.0: McDonald earns spot over Thorpe
  • Raiders practice 13: Napa training camp 'fun, good, productive'
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Earthquakes beat Whitecaps for first road win of season
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Team USA wins Group G despite draw with Colombia
Lloyd's goal lifts US past France, to 2-0 start in Group G
(2)
See more >

Quakes Shop

JOE STIGLICH

Pinder set to join A's, Chapman gets promotion to Triple-A
(2)
See more >

ALEX PAVLOVIC

Rewind: Bochy sticks with Cain 'a little long,' gets burned
(4)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Baalke: Davis' delay influenced 49ers' draft
(9)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders' Hayden posts strong camp, 'I know it will be a big year'
(5)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Team USA blows past Argentina, into Rio semifinals
(2)
See more >

JAMES HAM

The Kings Insider Podcast with James Ham: Omri Casspi
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Source: '99 percent' chance Pavelski will be Team USA captain
(2)
See more >

RAY RATTO

No even-year magic, Giants will have to do this the hard way

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

FOLLOW US!

Follow us on Twitter @CSNAuthentic.

SAY HEY TUESDAY

s

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

NCAA

  • Stanford Football
  • Stanford Basketball
  • Stanford Women's Basketball
  • Cal Football
  • Cal Basketball
  • Cal Women's Basketball
  • SJSU Football
  • SJSU Basketball
  • USF Basketball
  • USF Women's Basketball
  • Saint Mary's Basketball
  • Santa Clara Basketball
  • Fresno State Football

MORE

  • Biz Ball
  • Combat Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Maiocco: With Kap still not throwing, there is no QB competition
Maiocco: With Kap still not throwing, there is no QB competition
See more >

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

  • G-Mag
  • All A's
  • Carpool Confessions
  • Steph-in' Amazing
  • Cookin' with the Currys
  • When Giants Fan Met Dodgers Fan
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Eireann Dolan's Call to the 'Pen

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • SportsTalk Live
  • But Seriously

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • James Ham - Kings
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Alex Pavlovic - Giants
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California