As a
result of the bye in Week 7, the Oakland Raiders were able to get some much needed rest at just the right time. With so many injuries on both sides of the football, the Raiders have been desperately trying to remain competition while playing a lot of unproven and second tier players at important positions.
Fortunately, the time off has done some good with head coach Dennis Allen praising veteran running back Darren McFadden according to Steve Corkran of Contra Costa Times via Twitter:
With McFadden in a contract year and promising to prove his worth to the team this season, there’s been high expectations for the often injured back. Unfortunately for the Raiders, McFadden simply hasn’t delivered in the first six games. The veteran continues to deal with issues in terms of staying healthy and doesn’t seem to be making a strong case for the team to re-sign him.
Needless to say, McFadden’s job and long-term status with the team will be on the line from here on out. The team has already committed to Marcel Reece for the next three years putting even more pressure on McFadden to turn it up a notch.
Allen making these comments about McFadden is promising to say the least, but there’s still no telling whether or not he’ll turn the corner this week or in the weeks to come.