Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

Without Michael Bush backing Darren McFadden Raider Nation is understandable nervous. No need to explain why that is. Let’s not jinx it.

That’s why the rumors of the Raiders pursuing Cedric Benson sparked plenty of offseason conversation. Of course that was before Benson balked at the notion of playing for the veteran’s minimum (a cool 825K). And that was well before the same Benson inked a deal with the Green Bay Packers then ran his mouth about the two other teams that were pursuing his services. Apparently both Detroit and Oakland were in the running for the backup running back.

According to Benson he was only interested in playing for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. His quote says it all.

“They talk about a Super Bowl around here, not about winning their first playoff game.”

Stay class, Ced. I mean, it’s not like there aren’t a few Lombardi trophies in the Oakland cabinet. Maybe he’s too young or too ignorant to know that. Either way it looks like he did the Raiders a favor. No need to call out another organization. Benson should be happy somebody wants his services and should just leave it at that.

Then again, maybe Benson should focus on staying healthy. According to reports that paltry offer of $825,000 for one year of football he was unwilling to accept in Oakland is only worth $393,000 in Green Bay should he succumb to injury. Either way this is how is career will likely conclude – as a reserve running back that barely avoided the bust label thanks to a couple of productive seasons.

Ed Szczepanski-US PRESSWIRE

The Raiders have not even thrown on their pads yet and there are already minor injuries occuring in camp. Today, both Richard Gordon and Mike Goodson were reported to go down with minor injuries during the run through in practice. Ron Bartell is also dealing with a hamstring injury right now. Although all three of them are day-to-day according to Dennis Allen, this is opening up opportunities for some other guys to get reps with the starters.

Ron Bartell is currently dealing with a minor hamstring injury that caused him to sit out of today’s practice. DeMarcus Van Dyke got some looks on the starting defense today and was a standout player according to multiple sources who watched practice. Many have been speculating that he may beat out Bartell or Spencer for a spot as a starter. So far he is on the right track right, taking full advantage of having Bartell sidelined. Hopefully Bartell can come back soon and force some more competition for growth among the defensive backs.

One area of uncertainty for the Raiders is who will be starting at the tight end position. Brandon Myers is currently running with the starting O but many are speculating that Richard Gordon or David Ausberry will eventually take over the position. Richard Gordon, the blocking specialist of the group, went down today with a hip flexor injury. Although it is apparently minor, this will give Ausberry a chance to get more looks and possibly nab the starting spot from the group. He put on some serious size that will give him more leverage in the blocking game to add to his incredible receiving skills.

Raider fans all over have been hoping that the Raiders would add former U.T. standout, Cedric Benson, to their 53 man squad. Raiders personnel have admitted interest in Benson but have not made a move because they want to see how the squad will work out with McFadden, Jones and Goodson. In practice Tuesday, Mike Goodson went down with a hamstring injury. Although it was reported that it was only a tweaked hamstring, he was listed as day-to-day by Dennis Allen after practice. If Goodson continues to sit out practices with minor or major injuries, the Raiders will have to look elsewhere to find tough back up running back for the fragile Darren McFadden. There is already enough injury-plague in this squad and we need someone who can get through a game without a tweaked hammy.

Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

We already know Reggie McKenzie doesn’t have any cap space available to pursue pricey free agents. That Mike Brisiel was Oakland’s biggest splash in free agency says it all. For the most part that would have appeared to be the reason why the Raiders have shown interest yet have made no movement in the pursuit of free agent Cedric Benson.

While Oakland’s miniscule room under the cap is the biggest reason why they haven’t made an offer of any kind to Benson there is another issue that’s slowing the process. Benson himself admitted that he’s unwilling to sign with a team for the veteran’s minimum which is more than likely why he’s still waiting for a job offer of any kind.

I can certainly understand why a recently productive runner like Benson would be hesitant to jump at the notion of taking a major pay cut. But it’s July and he’s still unemployed. NFL camps are starting soon and before you know it teams will be moving on from looking over the talent they don’t have to actually practicing with the talent that is on the roster.

For the Raiders there is no doubt they could use a proven veteran backup as a Darren McFadden insurance policy. However the cap situation is what it is. McKenzie isn’t the overspending type and Benson seems like the stubborn sort so here we are. This standoff will end when Benson finally stops balking at the offers coming his way. Whether or not he finds his way into a silver and black jersey remains to be seen.

For now Benson needs to come on in and realize the running back market ain’t what it used to be. Besides, one productive year at the veteran’s minimum could lead to a bigger and better payday the following season. But never mind that. One year of getting paid to play football beats one year of losing money watching football. Right about now Benson needs to understand that his stance will lead to spending Sundays on the couch instead of the field.