Raiders head coach Dennis Allen said that running back Darren McFadden could play on Sunday night even if he does not practice this week, according to a report by Steve Corkran.
Dennis Allen says Darren McFadden could play without practice, but fantasy owners remain skeptical
Raiders head coach Dennis Allen said his feature-back could play Sunday night versus the Chargers if he doesn’t practice this week. We break down the fantasy implications.
Thearon W. Henderson
McFadden was immediately relegated to the sidelines and wore street clothes after sustaining an early-game hamstring injury versus the Redskins in Week 4. McFadden appeared to be on the verge of taking advantage of another nice matchup, as he did versus the Jaguars, but was sidelined after just five carries. With Rashad Jennings proving competency with the Raiders scheme, he is likely to get the start in McFadden's place.
Fantasy Spin: Players rarely play when they have gone a full week without practicing, and with the Raiders slated to play at 11:30 p.m. ET on Sunday night, fantasy owners would be better suited to look elsewhere for an option at running back instead of waiting around. Coach Allen appears to be putting a smokescreen in place, which he did last week with Terrelle Pryor’s status. It’s a common method coaches will use to force opposing teams to potentially waste time preparing for players who will not suit up, and it’s one that Allen has already practiced. McFadden’s fantasy owners should avoid falling into that trap as well, especially since it would mean passing up on viable options.
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