The Oakland Raiders could be without its top two running backs against the Ravens this weekend.
Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson both suffered high-ankle sprains during Oakland's 42-32 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past Sunday, although Raiders coach Dennis Allen said Monday that neither player is yet to be ruled out for this weekend's game against Baltimore.
Even with both healthy, the Raiders' running game has struggled.
Oakland is ranked second-to-last in the NFL in rushing offense.
The speedy and physical 6-foot-1, 220-pound McFadden is regarded as one of the AFC's most talented running backs, but he rushed for only 455 yards in the Raiders' first eight games while averaging barely more than three yards per carry.
Goodson is averaging more than six yards per attempt, but he's carried the ball only 17 times.
If both are sidelined, Oakland will be forced to rely on a combination of second-year running back Taiwan Jones and fullback Marcel Reece. Jones and Reece have just two combined carries this season.
Reach staff writer Matt Zenitz at 410-857-7896 or matt.zenitz@carrollcountytimes.com. Follow him on Twitter @mzenitz.
