The Training Room: Week 5 Injury Updates

Sep 30, 2013

We have completed a quarter of the season already, and some things are starting to come into focus, while some things continue to be as clear as mud. Injuries are typically clear as mud, which makes it difficult to decide whether or not playing a certain player will be worth it in the long run. In this column, we have two pairs of running backs for the same team on the list, so you might actually need to delve deep into the depth chart to find their replacements. Let's get into the Week 5 Training Room report to see if we can't clear up some injuries for owners.

Darren McFadden

Strained Hamstring - The hamstring muscle is the primary muscle in the back of the thigh responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip. When it relates to sports, it's a very important muscle in aiding to accelerate/decelerate the lower body to allow proper running and cutting.

McFadden left the game in the first quarter and did not return. Coach Allen stated it was too early to put a timetable on McFadden's availability.

Bottom Line - It was only a matter of time before the oft-injured running back found his way into the training room. I'm surprised it wasn't sooner with his past injury history. With Marcel Reece dealing with an injury in addition to McFadden's, Oakland's backfield has now opened up for Rashad Jennings to take over in the meantime. The fact that McFadden was ruled out immediately after he sustained the injury makes me believe it's more than just a grade 1 strain. I expect McFadden to miss 3-4 weeks and potentially longer with this injury, as his poor ability to heal from injuries plays a big factor in that estimate.

Marcel Reece

Sprained Knee

Reece sustained the knee injury early in the first half of yesterday's game against Washington and was unable to return to the game. MRI reports showed no structural damage and Reece is considered day to day.

Bottom Line - Just when you thought Reece was finally going to carry some value after Darren McFadden gets hurt, his injury puts him on the sidelines for at least next week. There isn't any structural damage to his knee, which is a good sign, but sometimes it's difficult to determine how long it'll take to recover as pain becomes the main issue. He is already ruled out for Week 5 and could potentially be out longer. I believe he sits at least 2-3 games, which could actually be shorter than his counterpart.