Darren McFadden Injury: Updates on Raiders RB's Week 15 Status and Fantasy Value

The Oakland Raiders are fighting for first place in the AFC West, but without Darren McFadden, winning the division is proving to be difficult. 

McFadden hasn't played since Week 7 because of a foot injury, but the coaching staff remains optimistic he'll be able to play again this season. 

The Raiders desperately need their playmaker back on the field, but it's questionable as to whether or not he will make it back.

This Sunday, the Raiders take on the Detroit Lions, who rank No 27 in the league against the run. Having McFadden back in action would give Oakland a great chance of ending their two-game losing streak.

Check back here for further updates throughout the week on McFadden's status.

UPDATE: Friday, Dec. 16 at 3:40 p.m. ET by Nicholas Goss

According to Vittorio Tafur, who covers the Oakland Raiders for the San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden is out of Sunday's game versus the Detroit Lions. 

UPDATE: Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 10:25 a.m. -- Tim Daniels

Steve Corkran passes along some quotes from head coach Hue Jackson about McFadden's injury. There are some differing opinions of what the ailment is actually called, but Jackson is clear in his assertion that the running back doesn't need surgery.

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“I just think how you describe it, based on one when you say Lisfranc, really means surgical. You got to go in and fix it right away in order to get it to heal properly. That’s why when people hear that term, everybody goes, ‘Oh, my gosh, that’s what he has.’ No, he does not need surgery. That much I do know. You guys can write that. Darren McFadden does not need surgery.”

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While it's good news that McFadden shouldn't need to go under the knife, he's already missed an extended time period and Jackson doesn't give an exact timetable for his return. It's a situation that warrants watching over the next few days.

UPDATE: Monday, Dec. 12 at 11:58 a.m. 

News broke during the Raiders game against the Green Bay Packers that McFadden has a Lisfranc injury to his right foot and may just be out for the year. 

Raiders head coach Hue Jackson told reporters that he thinks McFadden will be back. Per San Francisco Chronicle:

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It's not a season-ender. I mean, that's what we said - it's a sprained foot, Lisfranc, whatever you want to call it. Basically the same thing. I think Darren will be back before the season's over. And when we get him back, we'll get him back.

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This is good to hear, but it would be better coming from team doctors instead of the head coach. Jackson wants McFadden out there, but he doesn't know for sure if he will be able to. 

A Lisfranc injury is what put Houston's QB Matt Schaub out for the year, so don't be surprised if McFadden doesn't return this season.

As for fantasy, there's a chance you've parted ways with McFadden already. With only three games remaining on the year, McFadden isn't likely to return, and even if he does, he won't be a dominant force like before. Cut your losses and look elsewhere for talent considering it's the playoffs right now and you could use all the help you could get.