Oakland Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey and running back Darren McFadden missed Thursday's practice, according to Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune. Heyward-Bey's absence was concerning, considering he was only limited during Wednesday's practice.
Heyward-Bey is dealing with a hamstring injury. He has 24 catches for 371 yards and three touchdowns this season.
McFadden is working through a high ankle sprain that Fox Sports' Jay Glazer said would keep him out two to four weeks. However, head coach Dennis Allen said that the team's starting running back was running around with a trainer on Thursday.
If McFadden is out against the Saints, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp said that backup Marcel Reece is expected to carry the running load. In place of McFadden, Reece led the team last week against Baltimore with 13 carries for 48 yards.
Also out of Thursday practice for Oakland were safety Tyvon Branch (neck), running back Mike Goodson (ankle) and defensive tackle Richard Seymour (knee/hamstring).