Oakland Raiders will know DJ Hayden Week One status this week

Oct 6, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback DJ Hayden (25) intercepts the pass intended for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) in the end zone during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the San Diego Chargers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

One of the burning questions as the Oakland Raiders inch closer and closer to the start of the 2014 NFL season is the status of 2013 first round draft pick and expected starting cornerback DJ Hayden. Hitting the PUP list for the entire training camp following a foot injury picked up during summer team activities, Hayden’s status has been up in the air for most of the month as the defensive back has watched from the sidelines leading to questions on whether or not he will be ready in time for Week One.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, that status will be determined this week as the Raiders plan on making the decision on whether or not Hayden will be ready to go or if he will start on the PUP/Reserve list. Something that the team may be okay with in not rushing Hayden back from injury.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Raiders to ease in Hayden, after all you just need to take a look at the career of Darren McFadden to understand the risks involved in rushing back one of your brightest young talents from injury. Wanting Hayden to prove that he can be healthy and productive, there is little gain in rushing the second year corner back to soon. Even if that means the Oakland secondary may be leaving a lot to be desired during the first few games of the regular season.