The Oakland Raiders will get starting quarterback Terrelle Pryor back for the team's game against the San Diego Chargers, but they could be missing one of their other defensive stars. Running back Darren McFadden remains out with a hamstring injury. After missing all week of practice, it appears he may not be playing on Sunday. Marcel Reese is expected to take over.
McFadden continues to remain off the field after he left in the second quarter of the team's game against the Washington Redskins. According to the Contra Costa Times, McFadden has not been on the field nor has he been working with the team's athletic training staff. All signs point to him sitting out the Chargers game and possible the matchup against Kansas City. Given McFadden's injury history, a quick return is highly unlikely.
While McFadden is out, fullback Marcel Reece appears to be healthy and could take over the ground game. Reece injured his knee against the Redskins, but MRI's were negative and he has been present on the field all week. That will at least give the Raiders one consistent runner to pair with Pryor who can handle plenty of the ground game himself.
Reece could become a sleeper pick for many fantasy football owners. The Raiders will rely on him heavily in the Week 5 matchup. Reece is a multi-purpose back. Last season he put up two 100-yard receiving games and has become a popular option in short-yardage scenarios and third-down plays. With Rashad Jennings nowhere near as talented as both Reece and McFadden, the fullback will get the majority of the carries.
The Raiders are in desperate need of consistent offensive performers. While Mychal Rivera is coming on strong as a tight end option, things are still up in the air with their receivers. Recently, the Raiders brought in Joe Adams for a work out. The team just got back Andre Holmes from a four-game suspension, but is looking for another weapon. It is being reported Juron Criner is likely getting released after not being active in the team's first four games. Adams spent last season with the Carolina Panthers before being released.
Expect the Raiders to turn to the ground game against the Chargers. Pryor and Reece will try and run the ball as much as possible against a Chargers defensive front that has been inconsistent this season.