Raiders Fantasy News

Friday, November 4, 2011, 11:57am

Darren McFadden has missed at least three games in each of his first three seasons, so Michael Bush knows this drill, now that it appears McFadden could miss Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.

Bush, in his fourth season, has been the trusted backup who has filled in with solid games.

The last time Bush ran 20-plus times was in the 2010 season finale at Kansas City, when he gained 137 yards on 25 carries with a touchdown. He has topped 100 yards in three of the five games in which he has had 20 or more carries.

In his 10 career starts, in which the Raiders are 4-6, Bush has run for 600 yards on 134 carries with four touchdowns.

Friday, November 4, 2011, 11:08am

Broncos head coach John Fox has said if Willis McGahee shows this week he can protect himself and the ball with that right hand, he will play against the Raiders.

"Willis will be fine," Fox said following Thursday's practice. "He's obviously getting used to healing a broken hand and still play football. Our medical people take good care of it and he seems to be real comfortable with it and had another good outing today."

McGahee was limited in Wednesday's practice, and coach John Fox said McGahee's playing status for Sunday's game will depend on the running back's pain tolerance.

Fox added it's largely a pain issue at this point for McGahee, who wore a glove, with a wrap, during practice.

"It shouldn't be a factor," Fox said. "There'll be some pain, but like I said before he's a tough player, he's done it before and we have all the confidence in the world he'll be just fine."

Fox: McGahee will not play "one-handed"
Thursday, November 3, 2011, 12:20pm

Willis McGahee will have to do more than raise his injured right hand to be in the Broncos' lineup Sunday against the Raiders in Oakland. Coach John Fox said McGahee, Denver's leading rusher, must be able to protect himself and the ball with his hand.

McGahee took part on a limited basis in the Broncos' practice Wednesday. The veteran running back wore a glove on his right hand with some wrapping around two fingers.

McGahee broke a bone in his hand against the Dolphins on Oct. 23 and had surgery just nine days ago.

"He'll definitely have to be able to use that hand to carry the football and run with the football," Fox said. "It would not be a consideration, playing one-handed. He's got a plate and screws in there."

Thursday, November 3, 2011, 11:06am

QB Carson Palmer, who worked with Raiders receivers last week during two bye-week practices and two days afterward, said the difference in terms of command is dramatic.

"There's no comparison, this week to last Wednesday," Palmer said. "I'm comfortable with the entire playbook, comfortable with the guys, comfortable with the snap count, where to stand in the huddle. Every little bit I've been around here, every second I've had, I just learn more and more."