Maurice Jones-Drew is hopeful that he can play on Sunday and so are the Oakland Raiders, but that outlook is not good. After struggling to get the offense moving against the New York Jets, the Raiders need everyone contributing in Week 2, but an injury could keep the veteran running back out for some time, forcing Oakland to make adjustments. Jones-Drew was the starter in Week 1. If he is out will the Raiders look to bring on help from the free agent market?
Jones-Drew underwent what is being called a "minor procedure" on his hand following an injury against the Jets and now his Week 2 status is in jeopardy. According to CSN Bay Area, jones-Drew has been ruled out against the Houston Texans in Week 2. While the running back would not rule himself out, team sources are saying that the Raiders plan on sitting him following the surgery. His hand was visibly swollen and the Raiders are not interested in taking any chances. Jones-Drew says that if it were up to him, he would be playing.
"I'd love to go out there, but it's a long season," Jones-Drew said, via CSN Bay Area. "You want to make sure that everything is right and where it needs to be."
Keeping Jones-Drew out will certainly not help the already struggling ground game for the Raiders. The veteran only managed 11 yards on nine carries and McFadden certainly did not look better. Now the team suffers another setback by losing Jones-Drew for an unknown period of time. McFadden is expected to be the starting running back against the Texans and their stout defense that is coming off a dominating game against the Washington Redskins. Marcel Reece will also be expected to step up in the wake of Jones-Drew being held out.
The Raiders might need to start looking for help in the run game if the two veterans continue to struggle. Last year they were bailed out by the young legs of Rashad Jennings, but they do not have that this season. Could the Raiders look to a player like LaMichael James for help? Right now, James is the best available after being granted a release from the San Francisco 49ers. If given the chance, James could be a real star. He is only barely removed from a successful college career and was only used a handful of times with the 49ers so his legs are fresh and healthy. If the Raiders are to be committed to Derek Carr at quarterback, a ground game is crucial and James could help the effort.