Darren McFadden is slowly but surely becoming expendable for the Oakland Raiders. The veteran running back is out with a hamstring injury that could hurt the remainder of his season and status with the team in the future. As Rashad Jennings proves he is worthy of an increased role, McFadden is being pushed right out of his starting job.
McFadden continues to be referred to as the starter, but a hamstring injury has the Raiders adjusting. While sitting out the past two weeks, backup Jennings has taken over as a very productive running back. He put up 102 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles along with 74 receiving yards. He followed that up with 88 yards against the New York Giants. Jennings has been averaging almost 5.0 yards per carry and the coaching staff is noticing.
"It's a production business and when he's had the opportunity to go in there, he has produced," head coach Dennis Allen said, via CSN Bay Area. "When you do that, you get more opportunities."
As a result, Jennings is getting more carries and McFadden is not. Despite starting five fewer games than the veteran, Jennings has 520 total yards of offense compared to McFadden's 437 yards on the season. The backup is averaging over two more yards per touch and appears to be far more durable than the 26-year-old.
This spells trouble for McFadden. The veteran was banking on a return-to-form season as he plays out the final year of his contract. The Raiders opted not to sign him to an extension, instead letting the running back prove he is worthy of a pay increase. So far, that is not the case. McFadden has yet to play more than 13 games a season and appears well on his way to continuing that trend this year.
It is not hard to envision the Raiders offense without McFadden considering he plays such a small role in it now. Jennings has developed in to the biggest offensive performer and the Raiders may really not need the veteran back. It is seeming less and less likely that McFadden continues his career in Oakland.
If the running back walks away in free agency, he will still get looks from other teams. However, McFadden appears to no longer be a quality starter in the league. The running back is destined for backup money from here on out.