If the Oakland Raiders are going to get off of their two-game skid and make a run towards the playoffs, they're going to have to do it without running back Darren McFadden for the next two weeks. The Raiders' running back has been out for the last six weeks with a sprained foot and will not return to the Raiders' active roster for their game against the Detroit Lions in Week 15. According to the Oakland Tribune, the earliest McFadden could return is in Week 17.
Michael Bush has done a very good job of shouldering the load with McFadden out, but his yards per carry average this season has been lower than his career average. Clearly, he's a guy used to sharing the load with someone and the Raiders are a better team when they can use both backs extensively.
The Raiders are 3-3 in McFadden's absence, 3-4 if counting the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs where he sustained the injury and only carried the ball twice.
For more on Oakland's running back situation, check out Raiders blog Silver And Black Pride.