The Oakland Raiders are happy that Darrius Heyward-Bey is in football shape after suffering what appeared to be a brutal injury against the Minnesota Vikings. The Raiders wideout did manage to get on the team plane and head home though, so all appears well and he should be fully recovered in due time.
The big question now turns to whether Heyward-Bey is ready to play this weekend. Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee reports.
Heyward-Bey was kneed in the back of the head by linebacker E.J. Henderson while falling to the turf in the fourth quarter and suffered neck and back injuries and a concussion, coach Hue Jackson said.
"Obviously, we're still going to take precautions with him, but he's moving around, walking around, looking like Darrius, neck brace on," Jackson said. "He's doing good. That was a tough shot that he took, but he's a tough young man. I'm sure as fast as he can get out there with his teammates he will be."
Jackson was unsure about Heyward-Bey's availability for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.
It'd be pretty impressive if Heyward-Bey was able to return to action so soon after such a scary-looking injury. You can understand if Hue Jackson would exercise caution before trying to bring their wide receiver back into action, particularly against a fierce Chicago Bears defensive front.
Fantasy football owners (and I know you're out there), Carson Palmer might have some new targets this weekend. With Ford out and Heyward-Bey questionable at best, Denarius Moore, Chaz Schillens, Louis Murphy and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are all worth looks this week.
To discuss the Heyward-Bey injury with Raiders fans, head to Silver and Black Pride.