Darren McFadden unlikely to play; Oakland Raiders ready to move on?

Oct 27, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) carries the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Ryan Clark (25) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

The Oakland Raiders will likely be without their starting running back this week against the Houston Texans, as Darren McFadden continues to battle a hamstring injury (stop me if you’ve heard that before) that’s caused him to miss several games this season already, including last week’s narrow-loss tot the New York Giants. He was once again absent from practice on Thursday, signaling that’s he’s “at best” a gametime decision heading into Sunday:

Darren McFadden is not at practice today.
— Steve Corkran (@CorkOnTheNFL) November 14, 2013

#Raiders Darren McFadden is not at practice today, but Terrell Pryor appears to be doing some stretching with helmet on, per @CorkOnTheNFL.
— Jennifer Millman (@JMillmanRX) November 14, 2013

While he’ll likely return at some point this year, it may be the final season for McFadden’s injury-prone day in Oakland. NFL.com is reporting that the sudden rise of Rashad Jennings as a capable running back has made McFadden expendable to some in the Raiders organization.

Jennings hasn’t been officially named the full-time starter at running back, but Raiders Head Coach Dennis Allen hinted Monday that backfield roles will be adjusted going forward.

"“It’s a production business and when he’s had the opportunity to go in there, he has produced,” Allen explained, via CSN Bay Area. “When you do that, you get more opportunities.The key is, he’s going to get his touches because he’s earned them.”"

Jennings has totaled 283 yards over the past two games while McFadden nurses his latest hamstring injury.

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