If Darren McFadden is going to earn a contract extension with the Oakland Raiders, or any team for that matter, he needs to get on the field. Hamstring issues have left the veteran back to miss three and a half games so far. In that stretch, backup Rashad Jennings has emerged as a true starter, causing fans to almost forget about McFadden. As the running back remains hopeful of playing on Thanksgiving, his starting spot is likely gone.
McFadden has been out since Nov. 3 after getting hurt against the Philadelphia Eagles. Since then, Jennings has rushed for 413 yards off 73 carries and two touchdowns. He is averaging 5.7 yards per carry while also putting up 140 yards passing on 15 catches. His 553 yards of total offense in a four-game stretch is the most in the league right now.
Prior to getting injured, McFadden had just 352 yards of rushing, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. He was struggling heavily behind the offensive line that had supposedly been reworked to better fit his style. Head coach Dennis Allen is opting to take the hot hand as far as running backs go against the Cowboys.
"You can't deny Rashad Jennings over the last month of the season has led the NFL in yards from scrimmage," Allen said, via the Contra Costa Times. "I think he's earned the right and deserves the right to continue to get his carries and touches and we'll still do that."
Allen is basing the calls off production and right now, Jennings is producing quality each week he gets on the field. Meanwhile, McFadden has yet to play out a full season with the Raiders, missing 37 of a possible 91 games. He has already missed four games this year plus key minutes in two other games. The idea of a contract extension seems highly unlikely.
"There's always something," McFadden said. "To me, like it's something small, like an ankle, a hamstring, or turf toe or something. You try to stay positive and keeping working hard and moving forward."
McFadden admitted disappointment in his overall health and ability to stay on the field and play. Injuries could cost him a lot more than money going forward. Right now, he does not look very enticing to other teams as a fresh crop of younger players is set to emerge onto the league.
If Jennings continues his run at success, McFadden might not see significant time on the field for the remainder of the season. While he is back at practice making a Thanksgiving return possible, he will certainly not be the starter.
