Can Raiders win without McFadden and Ford?

So, I confess. This little writer evidently owes Raider fans a round the next time we’re all at the bar.

It can’t be denied. Carson Palmer, Jacoby Ford and company did some serious work against the Chargers last Thursday night, despite not having the help of star running back Darren McFadden. McFadden’s absence—mixed with Palmer’s unsteady start in Oakland—was suspected to be a losing combo against Philip Rivers and the rest of the Chargers clan. Yet, despite stacking odds, Oakland managed to put a 24-17 smack down on San Diego.

But, McFadden was still absent at Monday’s practice. And Ford was on crutches due to a right foot injury he sustained during the first quarter of Thursday’s game.

So, should we be worried about the Raiders now?

Although Ford said in an interview Friday that his foot was feeling better, Coach Hugh Jackson told reporters that he was going to “just evaluate as we move through the week and see where he is.”

McFadden, on the other hand, hasn’t made much of an appearance since he sprained his right foot against the Chiefs on October 23rd.  And Coach Jackson has remained relatively mum when discussing his running back’s injury status, only offering Monday that McFadden was “getting closer to returning.”

Now, you cannot discount the rest of the Raiders’ squad, who has stepped up in the wake of the team’s long list of injuries. Michael Bush totaled 247 yards Thursday with McFadden out, and rookie Denarius Moore had five catches and two touchdowns after Ford was sidelined.

And let’s not forget Señor Palmer, who was 10 for 12 with 250 yards and 2 TDs against the Chargers.

Keeping all that in mind, are the Raids going to be able to stay strong amidst McFadden and Ford’s injuries?

I would make another prediction. But then I might have to buy another round for the Raider fans.

You be the judge.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES:

CSN Bay Area: Carson Palmer ‘just warming up’     http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/raiders-talk/post/Carson-Palmer-just-warming-up?blockID=592412&feedID=2801