Mike

Goodson

That will leave a hole in your backfield. Players usually miss a minimum of two weeks with high-ankle sprains, but they can often linger for more than a month. Considering both McFadden and Goodson’s injury histories, we wouldn’t count on a quick return for either player. The Raiders’ running game is now in the hands of FB Marcel Reece and pint-sized burner Taiwan Jones. A major asset in the passing game, Reece should at minimum be a strong flex play for Week 10. Jones will be a high-risk, low-reward fantasy option.

Coach Dennis Allen conceded that both backs will remain in question through the end of the week, holding out scant hope that one will heal quickly enough to play. Both backs remain in walking boots, however, which would seem to preclude a shot at cutting on the field by the weekend. We expect Marcel Reece to maintain top-20 fantasy value for Week 11.

It throws cold water on the notion that McFadden is “expected back” for Week 11, but it certainly doesn’t mean McFadden can’t shed his boot between now and Wednesday’s practice. It’s just more likely he’ll come down to a game-time decision than an assured return. Fantasy owners should be used to DMC’s status being up in the air. For now, he shouldn’t be expected to play Sunday until coach Dennis Allen guarantees he will do so.

As was Mike Goodson (high-ankle sprain). The Raiders are refusing to rule McFadden out early for Sunday’s tilt with the Ravens, but if he’s truly dealing with a high-ankle sprain, there’s a zero percent chance he’ll suit up. Coach Dennis Allen may try to keep the drama going until Friday’s injury report, but owners need to be preparing for a multi-week absence from DMC. FB Marcel Reece and Taiwan Jones will lead the Raiders’ backfield in McFadden and Goodson’s absence. Reece should be in for a lion’s share of the touches, with Jones serving in a change-of-pace role.

Marcel Reece (hamstring, quadriceps) and Mike Goodson (ankle) were also limited. The Raiders confirmed that McFadden is expected back for Thursday’s game versus the Broncos. According to RBs coach Kelly Skipper, McFadden has “got his burst back” and is “a lot better” this week. With Reece battling injuries of his own, McFadden should be assured of a fairly strong workload after waiting an extra five days for his return.

“We’ll see,” adds a seemingly skeptical Cole, who has been plugged in to the Raiders and specifically McFadden over the past couple of months. “I don’t really know exactly where it is; I just know he wasn’t able to finish the game,” coach Dennis Allen said. “Concern is more with the injuries in the secondary.” McFadden has 10 days to rest before the Week 15 tilt with the Chiefs. Marcel Reece would likely split touches with Mike Goodson if McFadden is sidelined.

A 25-year-old former fourth-round pick out of Texas A&M, Goodson was unable to earn a role in Carolina’s backfield rotation due to chronic fumbling. He’s put the ball on the ground seven times among 125 career carries. While the move makes it seem less likely that Jonathan Stewart will be traded, keep in mind that Goodson was out of the Panthers’ plans regardless. In Oakland, he’ll compete for the No. 2 back job with Taiwan Jones, behind Darren McFadden. Campbell is a gifted underachiever. He fell to the fourth round of the 2010 draft after many draftniks projected him in the first. Campbell has been unable to get on the field in Oakland, and will likely struggle to do so in Carolina, as well.

Goodson had already missed six games when the Panthers shut him down on November 16. “I’ve been working real hard ever since the injury, rehabbing and getting it back to 100 percent,” Goodson said. “It’s finally there, definitely.” Goodson will be a necessary handcuff for Darren McFadden owners if he’s able to beat out Taiwan Jones for the Raiders’ No. 2 job.

Goodson lost two fumbles playing with “weakness” in his shoulder in Friday’s preseason game, but the Raiders clearly believe he’s getting better. He finished the game with 17 yards on eight touches. Coaches and teammates have been thrilled with Goodson in practice. He’s Darren McFadden’s top backup.

Taiwan Jones was second in the running back line. Per beat writer Jerry McDonald, Goodson “got most of the first-team work and continued to impress.” Goodson will be the preferred handcuff for McFadden in fantasy leagues, with Jones probably operating as a change-up back only if McFadden gets hurt again.