working with starters in practice

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.

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.

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.