Darren McFadden Not Close to Returning

Added on Nov 25, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

The lingering foot injury that has kept Raiders running back Darren McFadden out of the lineup for the last month will likely prevent him from playing for at least another two games. McFadden sprained the foot on October 23rd and hasn’t been able to practice since. He’s not expected to return until Week 14 at the earliest as the AFC West leading Raiders compete for a division title and playoff berth.

McFadden was off to the best start of his career this season prior to the injury. He had amassed 768 total yards and five touchdowns through Oakland’s first seven games. However, his inability to stay healthy once again made headlines, thus derailing what could’ve been a record-setting campaign.

The 24-year-old runner began 2011 on a bad note after fracturing an orbital bone early in training camp. The broken bone caused to him to sit out the entire preseason, but he was cleared to return once the regular season kicked off. He went on to a run for 150 yards in a Week 1 victory over Denver, which was a franchise high for rushing yards in a season opener.

McFadden has been slapped with the ‘injury prone’ label since joining the Raiders in 2008. He’s missed 13 games with various foot, toe and ankle ailments. His power and speed is unquestioned, but running backs are judged on their reliability and toughness just as much as their talent. Until he proves he can make it through a full schedule unscathed, he’ll remain a notch below the league’s elite backs.

Michael Bush has once again filled in admirably for McFadden. In three starts, Bush has totaled 500 yards from scrimmage and scored three touchdowns. He’s already achieved a career best in receiving yards and barring injury will easily set a new high for rushing yards.

The 6-4 Raiders host the 7-3 Bears on Sunday. They are listed as -4 point favorites.

Source: NFL.com