Raiders hopeful McFadden will return

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) - The Oakland Raiders running game, which struggled so much the first half of the season when Darren McFadden was healthy, showed signs of life in recent weeks after the star back sprained his right ankle.

With McFadden poised to come back this week, the Raiders are excited to see what he will be able to do now that the offensive line is adjusting to the new zone blocking scheme.

McFadden missed the last four games with the injured ankle, including last week when he practiced but was unable to play in a loss to Cleveland. But running backs coach Kelly Skipper says he is seeing much more burst from McFadden in practice this week and is optimistic he'll be able to play Thursday against Denver.