Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sport
Whenever you invest a top fantasy football draft pick on a running back, you do so with the hope that said player’s offensive line can stay healthy. Well, owners who drafted Darren McFadden this season aren’t going to be happy about what happened to Oakland Raiders left tackle Jared Veldheer on Wednesday. Perhaps one of the most underrated lineman in all of the game, Veldheer has not missed a game since being drafted into the NFL with the 69th-overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft.
Obviously, this is crushing news to an Oakland O-line that struggled to give then-quarterback Carson Palmer time last season. If starting quarterback Matt Flynn wasn’t fearing for his life already, then he’s probably shaking in his shoes now that the Raiders’ most consistent lineman is out for at least 12 weeks. However, a torn triceps injury is potent enough to keep No. 68 out for the entire 2013 season.
Luckily, this injury only impacts a handful of owners as even the most devout McFadden supporters are starting to wonder about his prospects despite him being in a contract year. To make matters worse, the gigantic void that Veldheer leaves will be filled by none other than Alex Barron, who hasn’t played a professional snap since 2010 when he was known as the human false start during his time with the Dallas Cowboys.
If you haven’t drafted yet, make sure to avoid any Raiders on the offensive side of the ball because with Veldheer out for the season, Oakland might not win a game.
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
