Oakland Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew (hand) did not practice on Friday. He had a procedure on his hand this week and is expected to miss Week 2 against the Houston Texans.
Maurice Jones-Drew misses practice, Darren McFadden becomes a fantasy option
Maurice Jones-Drew missed practice on Friday. We break down the fantasy implications.
Jeff Zelevansky
If Jones-Drew is out, oft-injured Darren McFadden will get the start against the Texans. He would likely get the majority of the carries, but Latavius Murray could also have an opening to show what he can do. The Raiders did not move the ball well on the ground against the Jets, who have a very solid front seven and have been adept at stopping the run in recent years. However, the Texans were one of the worst defenses in the NFL last year and they won't have their top pick, Jadeveon Clowney, in Week 2 either. There could be some opportunity for McFadden and Murray to produce.
Fantasy impact: If history has taught us anything, it’s to never be too confident in McFadden. He’s been a perpetual disappointment and his laundry list of injuries is a big reason why the Raiders added Jones-Drew in the first place. That said, he could have himself as a nice day and can be viewed as a flex with big upside. Murray is a decent deep league staff for now.
