Darren McFadden Ready For 2012

Added on May 16, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

One of the NFL’s biggest teases — especially if you play fantasy football — has declared himself healthy, again. Raiders running back Darren McFadden is now running and cutting after recovering from the Lisfranc injury that cost him the majority of the 2011 season. Of course, expecting the dynamic runner to remain intact from now until September is a roll of he dice.

McFadden’s torrid start through six games last season had him on pace for 1800 yards rushing and in the MVP conversation. Then he limped off the field in Week 7′s game versus Kansas City with what was initially diagnosed as a sprained right foot. It turned out to be the dreaded Lisfranc sprain and for the fourth time in four years he failed to complete a full 16-game schedule.

The ex-Razorback’s injury history is well-documented. Foot, knee, toe, hamstring and eye ailments have struck him during his career and cost him a total of 19 games. Despite the “soft” reputation, McFadden continues to brush off the criticism regarding his durability.

“Everybody has their own opinion, so, for me, I’m just going out there playing, going hard. If I get hurt, so be it,” he said. “I could see if it was just going down the street, falling over, getting hurt, that’s different, but I’m out there playing hard when I get hurt.”

McFadden’s talent is unquestioned. With the exception of Adrian Peterson, no back in the league possesses #20′s size-speed combination. He’s capable of taking it the distance every time he carries the ball, and also boasts a solid pair of pass catching hands.

If he can stay healthy, a rushing title is within reach. He’s only 24 years old, so youth is still on his side. The problem is his upright, physical style makes him prone to taking extra hits. And running backs with foot problems are always a risky proposition.

Fair or not, until he proves he can endure the rigors of a full season, McFadden will continue to have plenty of critics.

Source: ESPN.com