Michael

Bush

It can’t be Dominic Rhodes (suspension) and almost certainly won’t be Michael Bush (leg surgery). That leaves LaMont Jordan ahead of Joe Echemandu and Justin Fargas. Jordan recently returned to the practice field and says he’s eager to forge his status among the NFL’s top backs.

Bush must be activated from the Non-Football Injury list by Wednesday or he’ll go on I.R. Jordan doesn’t have value on special teams and did not dress for Sunday’s game. We suspect he’d be quickly snatched up after getting cut, but would be unlikely to make an immediate impact for another team.

Jordan is now healthy, but was inactive for Week 11. Despite a great start to the season, Jordan is now way behind starter Justin Fargas on the depth chart and he could fall further if the Raiders activate Michael Bush from the PUP list this week.

Jordan is frustrated after not dressing for the Raiders in Week 12. The Raiders have to activate Michael Bush or place him on injured reserve today, so Jordan could be granted his wish very soon. Jordan played for Herm Edwards, making the Chiefs a possible destination, although the Raiders probably want to avoid helping their rivals.

Rhodes pleaded guilty in the offseason to reckless driving charges. He’ll participate in training camp and in all preseason games and will be eligible to return Oct. 1. This should cement LaMont Jordan’s position as the starting running back in Oakland, although a committee may come later. Rookie Michael Bush could also be involved if healthy. We’re not bullish on Rhodes outside of Indy, and this knocks down his draft stock to flier status.

It’s very early for bold predictions and the Chronicle is speculating, but the new coaching staff will open the job to all competitors. If Michael Bush gets healthy in time for training camp, he too could factor in heavily. Lane Kiffin’s USC offense last year used as many as four different tailbacks.

The Raiders tried the same tactic at this time last year, but were unable to consumate a trade. CB Nnamdi Asomugha is the Raiders’ most talented player, but his massive contract will make him hard to move. RB Michael Bush, who is a free agent at the end of the season and will make only $550,000 in 2010, is a prime trade candidate. ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned lesser lights such as CB Chris Johnson and LB Thomas Howard as the most likely to be dealt.

He struggled for much of the offseason with a shoulder injury, but may be as high as No. 2 on the depth chart pending Michael Bush’s health. Fargas is someone to monitor as an early-season handcuff for LaMont Jordan.

First big running back domino to drop. Fargas, 28, was a revelation in Oakland’s zone blocking scheme, gaining 1009 yards on 222 carries. He’s not a great receiver, but a prototype one-cut zone runner. His upright, hard-charging style will make him susceptible to injuries and a riskier fantasy pick. Fargas enters 2008 as the heavy favorite to start over Michael Bush and Dominic Rhodes. LaMont Jordan is likely to be released.

They’ll ride the “hottest hand.” Michael Bush played first, but fumbled and wound up with four touches to Justin Fargas’ 11 in Week 4. No one should consider using a Raiders tailback in fantasy for the next three games, considering their impossible schedule and uncertain week-to-week usage.