Raiders HC Jack Del Rio confirmed on Monday that RB Latavius Murray sustained a concussion in the loss to the Steelers.  “Looks like he is going to bounce back fine," Del Rio added.  It's Murray's 2nd concussion in the last 12 months, though.  Consider him no better than 50-50 to be cleared in time for Sunday's game against the Vikings.  Taiwan Jones, Marcel Reece, Roy Helu and Jamize Olawale could all see more action if Murray can't go.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Ravens.  No surprise there.  A notoriously slow healer dealing with a high-ankle sprain, McFadden is looking at a multi-week absence.  RB Mike Goodson has been ruled out with the same injury.  It sounds like RB Taiwan Jones will get the start for Oakland, but Marcel Reece will play plenty too.  His involvement in the passing game makes him the safer fantasy option.  Jones is a risk/reward RB3 or flex option.

Raiders RB Taiwan Jones took the majority of the 1st-team reps in practice on Wednesday.  "We've got confidence in Taiwan and if he’s called on to step in and play, then we fully anticipate him stepping in and perform and do his job," HC Dennis Allen said. Oakland's backfield is a fluid situation right now with both Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson out.  Both Jones and Marcel Reece figure to see plenty of action against the Ravens on Sunday.  It could develop into a hot hand situation, although Reece is locked-in as the passing-down back.  That makes him the superior fantasy option.  Jones' big-play ability gives him plenty of upside though.

As expected, Raiders RB Darren McFadden (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday.  The team hasn't ruled him out yet for Sunday's game against the Ravens, but Run DMC is an extreme long shot with that high-ankle sprain.  RB Mike Goodson was also out Wednesday with the same injury.  He won't play this weekend either.  We're expected Marcel Reece to lead the Oakland backfield in touches, with Taiwan Jones mixing in too.

Raiders HC Dennis Allen says RB Taiwan Jones still needs to work on ball security.  Jones put the ball on the turf on 1 of his 2 touches this past week, although he hadn't fumbled on his previous 55 regular season and preseason touches.  Oakland will pretty much be forced to increase Jones' role going forward with both Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson sidelined.  Still, it's starting to sound like Marcel Reece will be the lead back.  Oakland has more faith in him to hang on to the football and in pass protection.

The Raiders have confirmed that RB Darren McFadden has a high-ankle sprain.  RB Mike Goodson has also been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain.  Both guys are looking at multi-week absences.  McFadden is worth hanging on to for a return for the fantasy playoffs.  Goodson can be dropped.  While both guys are sidelined, Marcel Reece and Taiwan Jones figures to share backfield duties.  For our take on the fantasy value of both guys, check out this morning's Week 9 Free Agent Focus.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter hears that it’s a high-ankle sprain for Raiders RB Darren McFadden. He reportedly suffered the injury on his first carry of Sunday’s game, and aggravated it a while later. McFadden will undergo an MRI tomorrow to confirm the initial diagnosis. High-ankle sprains usually sideline RBs at least 4 weeks. And McFadden has never been a fast healer. RB Mike Goodson is #2 on Oakland’s depth chart, but he also went down with an ankle injury on Sunday. We’re still waiting for more details there. If he’s sidelined, Marcel Reece and Taiwan Jones would likely split backfield duties.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden (foot) has officially been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Chargers.  No surprise here.  RB Michael Bush gets another start and should see around 20 total touches.  Taiwan Jones will be the #2 back but carried just twice last week.

Raiders beat writers Steve Corkran and Vittorio Tafur both believe RB Darren McFadden (foot) will be held out of this weekend's game against the Broncos.  "Raiders should be able to beat Tebows Sunday with [Michael] Bush and [Taiwan] Jones at running back," Tafur reasons.  In that case, Bush would serve as the lead back and be a good bet for about 20 total touches.  Jones would operate as a change-of-pace and probably only see a handful of looks.

Raiders rookie RB Taiwan Jones flashed some serious ability in his preseason debut Sunday night. He finished with 81 yards and a score on 13 carries, plus 2 catches for 18 yards. Jones also had a 9-yard run called back by a penalty. On the downside, he struggled in pass protection. With RB Darren McFadden sitting out, Jones saw some time with the 1st-team offense. He did most of his damage in the 2nd half though. Still, you can just see that this guy has special ability. Booth analyst Chris Collinsworth even compared Jones to Titans RB Chris Johnson. A bit overboard? Yeah. But Jones does have make-you-miss ability and dangerous long speed. 3rd on Oakland's depth chart, he's unlikely to get enough touches to be a fantasy factor this season. But we'd stash him in keeper and dynasty leagues.

Raiders rookie RB Taiwan Jones is willing to do whatever it takes to contribute in 2011. “I'm a real versatile player,” Jones said. “I can return kicks, catch passes, block. I'll do whatever it takes to help the team.” Jones is one of our favorite sleepers in the 2011 draft class. But playing behind Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, we’re not expecting him to make a fantasy impact this year.

The Raiders selected Eastern Washington RB Taiwan Jones in the 4th-round. Washington could make his way into Oakland’s backfield picture as Darren McFadden’s backup. While both he and McFadden are injury prone, they could form a potent 1-2 punch for the Silver and Black.