Darren McFadden Finally Healthy, Ready to Run More 'Wildcat'

After dealing with some turf toe problems the past couple of weeks, Oakland running back Darren McFadden is apparently healthy, and ready to start being used like the all-around weapon the Raiders thought he would be back in April. At least that's what the San Francisco Chronicle's David White has to say since "The Raiders didn't pick him No. 4 overall in the draft to run between the tackles."

Funny, I thought that was part of the running back's job description. Anyway, more from White:

"That was kind of the plan," Cable said. "That's what we worked on in camp. It has tied our hands a little bit but it's nice to be getting him healthy so we can continue to get back on track that way." So far, the Raiders have dabbled with the "Wildcat" formation - where McFadden lines up as quarterback in shotgun formation, with a running back to his side and quarterback JaMarcus Russell split wide. McFadden ran the play at Arkansas to spectacular effect. With the Raiders, it has been more of an option run where he kept the ball or handed it off in a misdirection attempt.

The "Wildcat" is all the rage these days, especially with the success Miami has had with Ronnie Brown, as the Dolphins allow Brown to run, throw passes and set up triple-option double-reserve flea-flickers to Chad Pennington. It only makes sense that the Raiders would start using it, seeing as how McFadden is one of the players that helped bring the formation to fame when he was in college.

Actually, with the way JaMarcus Russell is struggling to grasp the Raiders playbook, it might make some sense for them to just tell Russell to take a seat and let McFadden run the offense through the Wildcat every snap. And I'm only half-joking.