Darren McFadden Injury: Updates on Raiders Star's Week 9 Status & Fantasy Value

Oakland Raiders star running back Darren McFadden is hurt again.

Shocker.

The fourth-year pro out of Arkansas left the game in the first half with what they are classifying as a sprained right foot.

However, Raiders beat writer Steve Corkran believes he'll be available for the Week 9 matchup with the Denver Broncos.

UPDATE: Friday, Nov. 4 at 3:30 p.m. EDT

What we were assuming to be true has come to pass. Raiders insider John Dickinson tweeted on Friday that Darren McFadden would not play on Sunday. 

That should not hurt fantasy players as you have been good little owners and nabbed a backup for this weekend. For the Raiders, I can't see this hurting them either. Michael Bush should do well against a soft Broncos defense. 

I also have no confidence in Tim Tebow leading the Broncos by land or air. This should still be the Raiders game to enjoy. 

UPDATE: Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 2:00 p.m. EDT by Wes O'Donnell

The Raiders don't need any more bad news, but beat writer Steve Corkran dishes some out today.

According to the Contra Costa Times writer, it is not looking like McFadden will be able to go this week:

The Raiders welcome the hapless Denver Broncos defense to Oakland this week, but certainly want their star running back on the field.

Backup Michael Bush is more than capable of handling the load and should be picked up if he is not already on your roster as a handcuff.

The Silver and Black should be able to handle the Broncos at home without McFadden, but against Tim Tebow there is no telling what will happen.

If McFadden has a turnaround and can play expect the Raiders to win.

UPDATE: Monday, Oct. 31 at 3:59 p.m. EDT by Donald Wood

Darren McFadden is the heart and soul of the Oakland Raiders and his foot sprain as the Raiders are calling it needs to be heeled for the team to have any chance of a playoff berth.

McFadden didn’t practice at all during the bye week and was not at practice on Monday either.

Raiders’ blogger for Contra Costa Times Steve Corkran is reporting on twitter:

Fantasy owners have to be freaking out thinking their main star is not playing, but not to worry. The Raiders are just playing it safe, and all signs point to Run DMC starting in Week 9.

UPDATE: Tuesday, October 25 at 3:00 p.m. EST

The Raiders are going through unpadded practices during their bye week.

Carson Palmer is present working extra with receivers, but there are notable players, including McFadden, missing from the field.

According to Raiders beat writer Jerry McDonald:

The Raiders don't need to see him on the field this week at all though. If he's still missing practice next Wednesday then it will be time to worry.

UPDATE: Monday, October 24 at 3:52 p.m. EST

McFadden's status for Week 9 will be determined later, but fans now know what the running back is dealing with.

Raiders beat writer Paul Gutierrez tweeted:

The boot isn't an indication of anything serious, but rather a precautionary measure.

Fortunately the Raiders have a bye this week and he should have ample time to heal.

I say "should" because nothing is ever safe when it comes to McFadden. 

Initial Update

The sprained right foot doesn't appear anything to be too concerned with. Luckily, he avoided the dreaded high ankle sprain.

But this is McFadden we're talking about.

He's missed at least three games in his first three seasons before enjoying a relatively healthy stretch this year. He has missed time during games with a lingering groin issue, but he has yet to miss a game this year.

Backing up McFadden is fellow fourth-year pro Michael Bush. The bigger, more bruising back finished the day in place of McFadden.

He ran for 99 yards on 17 carries and also recorded two catches for 12 yards.

Bush has always been a viable fantasy option as a touchdown threat, but this year hasn't been his best effort. This weekend's game against the Chiefs was the first time he broke 3.3 yards per carry for a game.

Yet all of that doesn't really matter if McFadden is in the lineup.

The back is averaging 5.4 yards per carry on the season, has five total touchdowns and is averaging just under three catches per game.

The Raiders desperately need him on the field if they want to make something of this season and the acquisition of Carson Palmer.

Yesterday's 28-0 loss is a problem, and the fact that Palmer and Kyle Boller combined to throw six interceptions is embarrassing.

The more time they spend putting the ball on the ground, the better off they will be.

We'll update on McFadden throughout the week.