McFadden Injury: Updates on Raiders RB's Week 10 Status and Fantasy Value

Darren McFadden was sidelined last week and even though Michael Bush is a capable replacement, the Raiders got waxed by the Broncos in an embarrassing 38-24 loss.

The Raiders are fighting for their playoff lives and with AFC West foe San Diego lying in front of them, they are entering a must-win game. Unfortunately, it's a Thursday game, which means McFadden doesn't have much time to recover and get ready for action.

Oakland is trying to figure out how to incorporate Carson Palmer and add to the vertical passing game. The process is more difficult with McFadden sidelined and losing winnable games simply isn't an option now that they are into the second half of their schedule.

UPDATE: Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 12:10 p.m. EDT by Alex Kay

ESPN's John Clayton has some awful news for Raiders fans and McFadden fantasy owners. 

If he is still on crutches during a Wednesday practice, his odds of playing this week against the San Diego Chargers are quite low.

It's gonna be a tough day for the team without him out there against a division rival and an even tougher day for fantasy owners without their prized RB. 

Fantasy owners need him as they make a playoff push of their own, but his status is still very much up in the air.

Things are looking bleak for McFadden. This is a must-win game, but as Brad Evans points out in this Tweet, Bush is a capable running back.

The Oakland Tribune doesn't make it sound like McFadden will suit up for Thursday's game, saying,

"

During his weekly press conference, coach Hue Jackson said he didn’t know if running back Darren McFadden would be a part of it. During the media window, there was no sign of McFadden. Given the limited amount of time before the next game and the fact that McFadden apparently still hasn’t so much as gone out for a leisurely job, chances are he won’t face the Chargers.

"

McFadden isn't going to be directly replaced, but the worst thing they can do is throw him into the lineup and injure his foot even further. They've got Bush, who is one of the best No. 2 backs in the league. Why take the risk?

If McFadden had to play on Sunday, not running on Monday would be a red flag. By not running on Monday when kickoff is Thursday, the writing is pretty much on the wall.

McFadden hasn't officially been ruled out, but it would be surprising to see him in the lineup. Fantasy owners will want to resort to Bush this week or find another replacement for their star back.