var _ndnq = _ndnq || []; _ndnq.push([’embed’]);

ALAMEDA — The best game of DeAndre Washington’s young NFL career left him wanting more. At the very least, one yard more.

Washington broke out with a 12-carry, 99-yard performance in the Raiders’ win over the Indianapolis Colts. That magical century mark was left staring at him in the face.

“We definitely left some yards out there,” Washington said.

Even his coach took to some good-natured ribbing. Walking past as Washington sat down this week to record a podcast, Jack Del Rio crowed, “Ah shoot! Almost get 100 and now you’re getting interviewed!”

The turnaround from where Washington was a month ago is remarkable.

Washington, a fifth-round pick from Texas Tech who was drafted to backup starter Latavius Murray, opened the year as the No. 2 running back. He maintained that role even as fellow rookie Jalen Richard, an undrafted free agent, exploded with a 75-yard touchdown on his first carry.

In Weeks 2-4, Washington had a run of 26 yards or more each game. When Murray missed two games with a turf toe injury, Washington started. He had at least five rush attempts per game through the first nine.

Then came a forgotten month. He had one carry for zero yards in Mexico City against Houston, then was a healthy scratch for the home games against Carolina and Buffalo.

Del Rio explained at the time that it was nothing Washington had done — it was just a numbers game.

“As a competitor, you always want to be out there on the field, you always want to put you best foot forward,” Washington said. “So the two weeks I wasn’t active, as a competitor, it just gives you extra motivation, another edge to just go out there and compete and demand the most out of yourself. I feel like I can definitely help this team so I just wanted to get out there and showcase my ability.”

Washington was back suited up Dec. 8 against the Chiefs, but didn’t have any carries. He finally touched the football again the following week in San Diego with five rushing attempts for 23 yards and an 11-yard reception.

The game against the Colts looked like it would be another quiet one for him. Richard was leading the way in the first half, carrying five times for 64 yards and adding a touchdown reception. Washington had just two carries for six yards.

But in the second half, Washington finally had his breakthrough. Over a series of four carries, he ran for nine, 10, 22 and 22 yards — the latter two going for his first career touchdowns. Washington kept the ball from the first score, but gave the second to a kid in the stands.

“Definitely a relief to finally pop that seal and get in there,” Washington said. “And then then second one came. It was definitely a good Christmas.”

Del Rio was highly complimentary of what he saw from Washington even when he wasn’t getting playing time.

“He worked and he stayed ready, and I thought there was just a little bit of urgency,” Del Rio said. “I think that’s the beautiful thing about it, when a guy responds. And it wasn’t like we didn’t want him up. We just had choices we had to make, but I think he wanted to make sure that he really put in a little extra and let it be known that he really wanted to be part of that active group.”

Murray also recognized how Washington didn’t get too down.

“He’s been a hard worker since the day he got here,” Murray said. “I was extremely happy for him, to have a good showing like that and it to pay off. I know he’s not done. I know he wants a lot more. I expect him to. I think we all do. That’s the sense of urgency we need to have at that position for all of us so we can get this run game going even better.”

The Raiders were at one time on pace to have all three backs rush for 500-plus yards. Now, it would take another big game from Washington to do so. He’s third on the team with 424 yards and a strong 5.3 per carry average. Murray leads the team with 777 yards and Richard has 488.

After having the league’s 28th ranked rushing attack last season, the Raiders are fifth this year at 124.3 yards per game. With Matt McGloin replacing the injured Derek Carr at quarterback, the expectation is for the Raiders to lean on the ground game even more. That’s what the Broncos think they’ll see in Sunday’s regular season finale in Denver.

“We expect a big run game,” Denver cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said on a conference call. “We expect them to try to come out and start pounding us like they did the first time.”

With Washington back involved, the Raiders have their three-headed attack ready to go and Washington isn’t ready for his rookie season to end.

“A lot of ups and down, a lot of fun,” he said of this year. “The best part is being on a winning team in this atmosphere with the Raider Nation. It’s been more so exciting than anything. Hopefully we’re not done yet and we can have this conversation six weeks down the road in Houston.”