Since coming into the league in 2008, Darren McFadden has been both boom and bust for the Raiders.
After being labeled “injury-prone” after missing several games with injuries his first two seasons, the former Arkansas star broke out with a huge season in 2010, rushing for 1,157 yards and seven TDs, even while playing just 13 games.
This season, McFadden – a terrific combination of power and speed -- was leading the NFL in rushing going into last Sunday’s game against the Chiefs, having not missed a game. But after suffering a mid-foot sprain after just two carries, he sat out the rest of the game.
Under head coach Hue Jackson, McFadden has been the focal point of Oakland’s rush-dominated offense.
So, the Contra Costa Times’ report that McFadden was wearing a protective boot and using crutches Monday obviously raises caution flags over the team, which has dropped to 4-3 after its 28-0 loss to the Chiefs and is struggling to get new quarterback Carson Palmer up to speed after acquiring the Bengals holdout last week.
“Obviously, we’re going to have the foot looked at and make sure it’s structurally OK,” Jackson told USA Today Monday. “We’ll definitely know more as we continue to move forward during the week.”
With a bye week, the Raiders are optimistic McFadden will be good to go when Oakland resumes play Nov. 6 at home against the Denver Broncos.
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“I’m hoping to get him back soon,” Jackson said. “One of my plans for him was to get him some rest this week and get him back up and get him back fresh. Because obviously when Darren is rolling, he’s one of the best backs in this league. So we need to get him healthy.”
McFadden this year has 614 yards on 113 carries, a 5.4-yard average, with four TDs.
The bye week also should give kicker Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring) and middle linebacker Rolando McClain (ankle) a chance to recuperate, also.
