Oakland Raiders Running Game: Who's Next?

In Oakland, things are progressing nicely for the Raiders in mini-camp. Bush has been turning heads, and McFadden is working down on the things that gave him some flak...fumbles, carrying the ball, etc.

What is proving to become the question mark is, do the Raiders carry two or three running backs into camp?

Now, to clear up any question, the obvious answer is this: LaMont Jordan is gone, that is a given. My understanding is that the Raiders will wait until after the June 1, for the simple purpose that when they release him, the salary cap hit will spread out over two years.

But what about the three remaining running backs?

With McFadden on the board, it would take a severe act of dementia for Al Davis to lose this guy. Even if he pulls a Russell and holds out, Al will find a way to get this done, in order to avoid another shadow to the start of the season.

Add into it, that if McFadden does stall, Bush is going to prove to be a great motivational tool...he isn't showing any side effects of being laid off for two seasons after his injury in Louisville. So having both of these monsters ready to run just bodes well.

Fargas, the third guy, has a unique problem. As it was shown in another article, by Alex Chavez, Fargas has some interesting stats on last year's season.

Some of it was basic knowledge. Fargas has a problem staying healthy. Some of his games, like against the Dolphins, for example, while impressive, were deceptive.

How so? Miami was dead last against the run. Denver? 30th. You see the pattern?

Don't get me wrong, Fargas has a good "fill-in" ability, as an extra need. But against teams like San Diego, he won't cut it.

What it will come down to is, will he be worth the roster slot, come Week One against Denver?