The Oakland Raiders are likely looking at their fourth full game (fifth if you count most of the Chiefs game) without Darren McFadden in the lineup. McFadden sprained his foot in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs and has been sidelined ever since, not even making it into practice. The Raiders host the Bears this week and barring any unexpected developments in practice between now and Friday, McFadden will be inactive once again.
Raiders beat writer Steve Corkran was asked if he thought McFadden will be back in time for the Week 13 game against Miami. Corkran responded in the affirmative, including a mention that he thought the warmer weather would help above and beyond the additional week of rest.
Raiders fans will want to keep an eye on this week's practice participation report for Raiders-Bears. If the Raiders can get McFadden back even on a limited basis, that would be a huge step in the right direction. McFadden is reaching the far end of the timetable for recovery from a sprained foot, so a return on a limited basis at some point this week would make a lot of sense.
In the meantime, Michael Bush will remain the number one back. Bush has had a lot of success in this recent run and will continue to be the workhorse back for the Raiders, particularly with Taiwan Jones dealing with a hamstring pull.