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The Oakland Raiders haven't seen star running back Darren McFadden out on the field since Oct. 23. It is therefore something of a wonder that they are still very much in the playoff hunt.

The actual diagnosis is a little iffy (see the San Francisco Chronicle), but it suffices to say that McFadden is dealing with a foot injury that has kept him out of action for much longer than the Raiders would have liked. They are hoping he can return in Week 17 against the San Diego Chargers, and that he will be able to play in the playoffs if the Raiders make it.

For all the latest on Run DMC's foot, keep it here for updates and fantasy analysis.

Update: Friday, Dec. 30 at 3:25 p.m. ET by Ryan Rudnansky

McFadden has been ruled out for Week 17 as the Raiders vie for a playoff spot against the Chargers.

He may, however, return for "the second season," via Rotoworld.com.

"The second season" is referring to the playoffs.

Update: Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 1:45 p.m. ET by Wes O'Donnell

If only we had something more definitive. The Raiders, on the brink of their biggest game of the season, still don't have their best player out of the field.

According to Vittorio Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle:

This is really no surprise. Week in and week out Raiders fan hope to hear about McFadden on the practice field and week in and week out they're disappointed.

The star running back has missed enough time for Raiders fans to know they cannot trust him to be on the field until he is on the field.

And, even then, there is no guarantee it lasts.

Update: Monday, Dec. 26 at 5:50 p.m. ET by Zachary D. Rymer

Well, it didn't take very long for some good news to come out regarding McFadden's status.

Here's the latest from Vittorio Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle:

Jackson's winking gesture is vague, to be sure, but it's also encouraging.

This is, of course, assuming it actually took place. After all, Tafur says he thinks he saw Jackson wink at him.

Either way, Wednesday is now a key day in the McFadden injury watch. We should know something more definitive by then.

Update: Monday, Dec. 26 at 5:20 p.m. ET by Zachary D. Rymer

McFadden hasn't been able to do a whole lot during practice since hurting his foot way back in Week 7, but it sounds like that could change as soon as today.

Here's the latest from Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times:

I'm assuming that "he" means Jacoby Ford here, though I think the uncertainty in the latter half of this tweet also applies to McFadden.

In short, this is yet another McFadden update that is not a green light. The Raiders aren't going to take any chances with him, even if having him back will give their playoff chances a boost.

If your fantasy season is still going, I would advise you to play it by ear with McFadden for the time being. He might not play in Week 17, and he will probably be limited even if he does play.

If you have other running back options, you should use them.