Oakland Raiders running backs Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings (hamstring) returned to practice on Wednesday, according to the Oakland Tribune's Jerry McDonald. McFadden is averaging 4.1 yards per carry this season and has 261 total yards on 60 touches to go with a pair of touchdowns. On the other hand, Jennings is averaging 4.0 yards per carry and has 11 catches for 88 yards, albeit in limited action.
Darren McFadden, Rashad Jennings both practice Wednesday, fantasy status uncertain
The Raiders’ running backs made their return to practice this week. We break down the fantasy implications.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Fantasy impact: McFadden has had his share of injury problems throughout his NFL career. With the Raiders on a bye in Week 7, it’s entirely possible that Oakland will keep him out of the lineup just to give him two full weeks to rest, rather than rush him back early.
It should be noted that although it is a positive sign that McFadden practiced on Wednesday, he practiced by himself, meaning that he will most likely be marked as being a limited participant. That means fantasy owners should still follow his status the rest of the week and consider Rashad Jennings the go-to-guy should McFadden not be able to start.
Jennings also practiced on Wednesday after sustaining a hamstring injury himself during warmups in Week 5. He will get the lion’s share of the carries if McFadden is unable to go, but fantasy owners are again advised to monitor the status before plugging him into the lineup.
In his only full game of the season as the Raiders’ feature running back in Week 4, Jennings caught eight passes for 71 yards and also added 14 carries for 41 yards against the porous defense of the Washington Redskins. He’s a great play in leagues that reward receptions if McFadden can’t go.
• Week 5 fantasy football waiver wire: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
