MADISON, Wis. -- And then there were two.

Reports out of Oakland, California this week have been riddled with talk of fullbacks and 53-man roster spots and a certain former Badger as the Raiders have waived-injured Ryan Yurachek, whittling the competition for the FB spot down to Alec Ingold and incumbent Keith Smith.

According to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Yurachek, “had knee scoped this offseason, source said, and is nearing full recovery. Was 1 of 3 fullbacks on roster. Next steps: will default to IR Thursday upon clearing waivers. Then can be released to sign elsewhere once he passes physical.”

Raiders reporters haven’t explicitly said the spot is Ingold’s, but they give him a good, fighting chance.

The former Badger has a unique bond with Oakland head coach Jon Gruden. The latter coached the former in the 2019 Senior Bowl down in Mobile, Alabama back in January, which, 247Sports’ John Newby reports, allowed them to take that coach-player relationship for a test drive.

“There was plenty of mutual admiration that led to [Ingold] signing with the Silver and Black following the 2019 NFL Draft,” Newby wrote. “He's a big, bruising figure that could make a difference on both special teams and in this offense.”

Ingold’s competition, Smith, also found his way into the league via undrafted free agency back in 2014. After playing linebacker at San Jose State University, Smith signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an UDFA.

He spent the next few years coming on and falling off the roster, until the conclusion of the 2015 season when head coach Jason Garrett told him he’d be converting to fullback. He earned the starting role there in 2016, then in 2018, signed a two-year deal with the Raiders.

Ingold brings collegiate fullback experience to the table. He played in 51 games with 11 starts at fullback at Wisconsin, logging 103 carries for 343 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, and averaging a rushing TD every 6.1 attempts. He was the only fullback invited to 2019 Senior Bowl and 2019 NFL Scouting Combine.

According to Raiders Wire, Ingold also fills a significant need for the Raiders.

“Under Jon Gruden, the Raiders want to have a smash-mouth run game,” Marcus Mosher wrote. “While the team signed Keith Smith last season, he just isn’t a punishing blocker. That just so happens to be Ingold’s specialty.”

Earlier this month, the chatter surrounding Ingold was that he had a serious chance to make the roster. This new development at his position has changed the narrative in a good way for the former Badger.

“While the Raiders still have time to decide between Smith and Ingold, there is no doubt that both players will be solid options for the team,” Newby wrote.