jmcdonald@bayareanewsgroup.com

When the rivalry was in its heyday in the 1970s, there was Raiders running back Marv Hubbard, snorting like a bull and attacking anything wearing a red uniform, letting everyone know just how much he hated the Chiefs and having some of his biggest games.

Michael Bush, like Hubbard, is a big back whose philosophy is to give more than he takes.

Bush has had some of his best games against Kansas City, which could be useful considering the Raiders will play at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday with the hope of keeping their playoff hopes alive.

But if Bush is seeing red at the thought of the Chiefs, he keeps it well hidden.

“I think I have been doing well against a lot of AFC teams, so this is just another week,” Bush said.

The last time the Raiders played the Chiefs, a 28-0 Oakland defeat on Oct. 23, running back Darren McFadden left the game early with a mid-foot sprain and hasn’t played since. McFadden was doing some light jogging with injured players Tuesday, nothing to indicate he would be ready to play as soon as Christmas Eve.

Taking over for McFadden against the Chiefs, Bush had 99 yards on 17 carries, the start of an eight-game run which has seen him gain 703 yards on 171 attempts. It puts Bush at 841 yards rushing for the season, 159 yards short of 1,000 yards rushing for a back who had 138 yards in six games up to the point McFadden was hurt.

“Every back wants to get 1,000 yards,” Bush said. “The O-line has been doing a good job. I bring it every week, so hopefully we get that number and let everyone know what a good job the offensive line is doing, even though we’re missing Darren.”

With 242 yards on 75 carries in his past four games, Bush’s pace has slowed as teams have begun to adjust. He had only 19 yards in the first half against the Lions, but 58 yards in the second half while running with a lead.

“When people know that’s who you’re lining up back there and who else is back there with him, you design ways to make sure you get him slowed down,” Raiders coach Hue Jackson said. “What we have to do is not hurt ourselves with turnovers and penalties and stay consistent and give Michael Bush those opportunities.”

Bush has been the primary mover and shaker for the Raiders offense, with a team-high 62 first downs. Against Detroit, Bush gained 77 yards on 18 carries and caught a career-high seven passes for 62 yards.

With 33 receptions for 381 yards, Bush has career-highs in both categories. His value will never be higher going into a free-agent year, a subject he considers off limits during the season.

“That’s nothing new to me,” Bush said. “I feel like I’ve always been doing that. When I was in college I caught a lot of balls out of the backfield. Now I have more time to play. I’m one of those guys that when it’s my turn, I am always taking advantage of it.”

In the three games Bush has taken over as the lead back for McFadden against the Chiefs, he’s gained 355 yards on 56 carries, and that doesn’t include a 16-carry, 90-yard effort in 2008 with most of the damage coming in the second half after McFadden left with turf toe.

Not that Bush will acknowledge anything out of the ordinary against the Raiders’ most storied rival.

“You can’t think that way, because when you do you’re selling yourself short,” Bush said. “I just prepare like it’s another week for me. As long as we all do our job, it will be another big day for me.”

Quarterback Jason Campbell, who broke his right collarbone Oct. 16, has begun throwing. Jackson estimated the throwing distance at about 30 yards but wouldn’t hazard a guess as to when Campbell might be ready to assume a backup role to Carson Palmer.

Running back Taiwan Jones was suited up and back at practice. Return specialist Bryan McCann, who left the Detroit game with a concussion, also practiced.

Free safety Michael Huff remained out of practice with a hamstring strain, as did defensive tackle John Henderson, who has a knee injury. Neither played against Detroit.

The Raiders signed defensive tackle Travis Ivey to the practice squad, replacing Mason Brodine, who was promoted to the 53-man roster after Chris Johnson was placed on the non-football illness/injury list. Ivey has primarily played as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense.