Justin

Griffith

It’s a significant loss for the Falcons rushing attack. Coach Jim Mora detailed the news at today’s press conference.

Rhodes was arrested for DUI in February. This may explain why Oakland continues to scour the free agent market for additional running backs.

Oakland loses some ball-carrying ability in two-back sets with Griffith gone, but can just plug in Luke Lawton or use two of their tailbacks together. Griffith, 28, finishes with 11 touches for 87 total yards and a TD. He’d cost $1.1 million for the Raiders to bring back in 2009.

Griffith will have an MRI and be evaluated this week, but whether or not he plays in Week 9 he’s not a fantasy option.

Griffith, 28, tore his ACL in October and was never a big part of Oakland’s offense after coming from Atlanta. The writing was on the wall when the Raiders cut ties with Griffith’s old friend, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp.

Seattle is looking for a replacement for Leonard Weaver, and Griffith played under new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp in Oakland.

The Raiders’ backfield is now quite full, and on paper it would appear they’re poised to use a running back by committee. Griffith averaged 5.6 yards-per-carry in 2006 and is a capable receiver, though he’ll be hard pressed to become a factor in fantasy football. This could spell the end of Zack Crockett’s tenure in Oakland and leaves ReShard Lee, Joe Echemandu, and Justin Fargas possibly competing for a roster spot.

Cut blocking is a strategy used by offensive linemen in zone blocking, a concept new line coach Tom Cable learned under Alex Gibbs in Atlanta. Center Jeremy Newberry and fullback Justin Griffith have history in the system. It also projects to benefit Robert Gallery and Kevin Boothe.

McFadden is listed as questionable, which is a downgrade from last week’s “probable” tag. Kiffin says the Raiders will “push him and act as if he’s fine,” but McFadden will need another painkilling injection and may not finish the game. If McFadden is inactive, Michael Bush will make his first NFL start with Justin Griffith backing him up. The teams play at 4:05 ET, so consider safer options if possible and have Bush handy if you’re a McFadden owner.

It was a rough day for Russell, who led his team to conversions on just 2-of-13 third downs. He took several bad sacks, including a safety, and missed his target badly on a long interception. Russell’s touchdown came on a goal-line dump off to fullback Justin Griffith. The second-year QB won’t be a reliable fantasy option until his downfield accuracy improves. He faces the Falcons at home next week.