We're just a few days away before the Denver Broncos face the Oakland Raiders in O.co Coliseum on November 6, 2011. Though it's still a little early to know 100% who will be in and who will be out, there have been a lot of changes going on this week for the Silver and Black. Here is a look at the newest arrivals, and significant players who are likely to miss this battle.
Darren McFadden
As we get closer to the end of the week, the chances are looking slimmer for McFadden to be on the field against the Broncos. As of practice on Wednesday, he was still on crutches and wearing a boot. At this point, I think it's more important for the running back to get completely healed and be ready to go for some of the tougher battles up ahead, namely the San Diego Chargers. Although San Diego may not be as strong as they seemed to be at the beginning of the season.
If the decision is made to keep McFadden out on Sunday, Michael Bush(notes) will be on the field. Bush did a great job against another AFC West rival, Kansas City, running 17 times for 99 yards. Taiwan Jones(notes) would then become the backup running back.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh
The big news this week is the signing of wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The familiarity between the newest Oakland Player, head coach Hue Jackson and quarterback Carson Palmer(notes), should have an immediate positive for the Silver and Black.
The wide receiver is expected to play on Sunday, and remarked that he does think the chemistry between himself and Palmer will help. He hopes to put some of his disappointing days with the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens behind him. Houshmandzadeh also commented on his, slightly, advanced age of 34, remarking that he feels good and has never been injured.
I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do for the Raiders on Sunday, and beyond. There are a lot of high expectations for him, as well as Palmer.
Carson Palmer
Of course we know Palmer will start for the Raiders, and hopefully Kyle Boller(notes) will not even be a factor in this game, or any in the near future. Palmer said there is no comparison in the way he feels this week compared to last, and that he is really ready to go. He's comfortable with the guys, and the play book. This is his opportunity to show us that he can lead the team to victory. Really, the battle between our new quarterback and Tim Tebow(notes), should by all rights be an easy one to take.
Lito Sheppard
The Raiders other signing this week was the Pro Bowl cornerback, Lito Sheppard. Jackson said his veteran presence is sorely needed, that he is excited about being here, and should be invaluable.
Sebastian Janikowski
Although some reports stated that the kicker was not at practice on Wednesday at all, Jackson did say he was out for some time, and that he is getting closer. With Janikowski a key factor in whether the Raiders win or lose in more than a few games, his presence is definitely needed. While it's still uncertain if he'll be back in time for Denver, I'd say there's a much better chance of seeing him than McFadden.
Regardless of the Broncos sitting at the bottom of the AFC West, this will be an important game for the Raiders to win. Once that happens, we can move on from the horrendous loss against the Chiefs and look forward to being on the top of the division by the time it's said and done.
