Darren McFadden Injury: Raiders Avoid Disaster as RB Diagnosed with Foot Sprain

The Oakland Raiders and their fans received a major scare on Sunday when star running back Darren McFadden left the team's game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a foot injury.

It appears they have avoided disaster, though, as McFadden has been diagnosed with a sprained right foot and could return to the game, according to Vittorio Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle.

McFadden had seven yards on three touches before exiting the game. Since Oakland enters its bye week following today's game, it would not be surprising to see them play it safe by leaving the Arkansas product sidelined for the rest of the afternoon.

Michael Bush is the Raiders backup running back and has averaged more than two yards per carry less than McFadden this season. He is capable of holding down the fort for a game or two, but Oakland's offense wouldn't be strong enough without their starter to keep pace in the playoff race.

While McFadden's talent can't be denied, injuries have always been a problem. He has never played in more than 13 games since being drafted in 2008. Even the game's most dynamic back can't do a team any good from the sideline.

He'll have two weeks to get back to full strength before an important division game against the Denver Broncos. It seems like an easy win on the surface, but without McFadden it would be anything but.

By the time Nov. 6 rolls around, the Raiders are hoping to have a healthy McFadden and a fresh Carson Palmer ready to roll, which would provide a huge boost to the offense.

And since every game from here on out will have huge playoff implications, it's a necessity both guys are ready for the stretch run.