Marcel

Reece

Suspended the first three weeks of the season for a PEDs violation, Reece was deemed unworthy of the remainder of his $2.6 million base salary by the Raiders. 31 years old, Reece has averaged 4.6 yards per carry and 9.8 yards per reception in his eight-year career. He should be able to latch on elsewhere as a swiss-army-knife contributor. Reece can also play special teams.

McFadden put in three limited practices this week and seemed to have a decent shot at suiting up, but that doesn’t appear to be the case. McFadden’s trend of being a slow healer will continue on for another week. Cleveland and Oakland don’t kick off until 4:25 ET, so we don’t recommend DMC for fantasy lineups. Marcel Reece will be the team’s “bellcow” back. OC Greg Roman hinted that Reece may have out-carried McFadden anyway.

“I’m just working hard,” McFadden said. “Whatever happens when Sunday gets here, I’m going to roll with it.” Beat writers have noted that McFadden is running and cutting like normal, but OC Greg Knapp says DMC’s burst is “good, but not 100 percent yet.” Knapp suggested that Marcel Reece would get the bulk of the halfback workload even if McFadden does suit up in what are expected to be tropical storm conditions.

Coach Dennis Allen conceded that both backs will remain in question through the end of the week, holding out scant hope that one will heal quickly enough to play. Both backs remain in walking boots, however, which would seem to preclude a shot at cutting on the field by the weekend. We expect Marcel Reece to maintain top-20 fantasy value for Week 11.

As was Mike Goodson (high-ankle sprain). The Raiders are refusing to rule McFadden out early for Sunday’s tilt with the Ravens, but if he’s truly dealing with a high-ankle sprain, there’s a zero percent chance he’ll suit up. Coach Dennis Allen may try to keep the drama going until Friday’s injury report, but owners need to be preparing for a multi-week absence from DMC. FB Marcel Reece and Taiwan Jones will lead the Raiders’ backfield in McFadden and Goodson’s absence. Reece should be in for a lion’s share of the touches, with Jones serving in a change-of-pace role.

Marcel Reece (hamstring, quadriceps) and Mike Goodson (ankle) were also limited. The Raiders confirmed that McFadden is expected back for Thursday’s game versus the Broncos. According to RBs coach Kelly Skipper, McFadden has “got his burst back” and is “a lot better” this week. With Reece battling injuries of his own, McFadden should be assured of a fairly strong workload after waiting an extra five days for his return.

“We’ll see,” adds a seemingly skeptical Cole, who has been plugged in to the Raiders and specifically McFadden over the past couple of months. “I don’t really know exactly where it is; I just know he wasn’t able to finish the game,” coach Dennis Allen said. “Concern is more with the injuries in the secondary.” McFadden has 10 days to rest before the Week 15 tilt with the Chiefs. Marcel Reece would likely split touches with Mike Goodson if McFadden is sidelined.

McFadden’s hamstring must be feeling reasonably good if he’s going to suit up with the Week 7 bye on the horizon. Expect him to start and see how much burst he has. But with Jennings/Marcel Reece also looming and a brutal matchup at Arrowhead, there’s not a ton of upside here. Consider DMC a desperation RB2 and Jennings a weak handcuff that belongs on benches.

McFadden’s carry came with 13:33 remaining in the second quarter, but the Raiders didn’t formally rule him out until halftime. DMC’s day finishes with five carries for 12 yards. He had caught only one pass for three yards. Rashad Jennings is handling lead back duties, but Marcel Reece should also get some work in a blowout. McFadden, of course, missed Week 5 with a hamstring issue. Aggravations often result in longer absences than the initial injury. His status will be updated no later than Monday.

The Raiders also tendered restricted free agent DE Desmond Bryant. Keeping Reece was a priority for the Raiders after he caught a combined 52 passes for 634 yards the past two seasons. With Michael Bush expected to depart via free agency, it’s possible Reece will see his role in the running game grow in 2012.