Mike Goodson to play versus Cardinals

Raiders running back Mike Goodson went down in practice a week ago with a neck injury. The injury appeared as if it could be quite serious as he was hauled off to the hospital in an ambulance from practice. Tests came back negative for any major damage but his neck was extremely sore and it had him out of practices all week as well as the Raiders preseason opener.

The day after the game, coach Dennis Allen said he expected Goodson to return to practice this week. He did indeed take the practice field with full participation. Goodson himself has now said he will be playing in the Raiders second preseason game in Arizona this Friday.

Having Goodson back on the field will be important. The team was very thin at running back while he was out of the lineup. Taiwan Jones is still out with a hamstring injury, although in practice on Wednesday, he was running some vigorous workouts which would indicate he could be back to practice very soon.

In the preseason opener without Goodson and Jones, Lonyae Miller carried the bulk of the load. Darren McFadden played the first series and was sat down.

Goodson was acquired in trade this offseason with the Carolina Panthers in exchange for reserve offensive lineman, Bruce Campbell. The third year back has looked quite good in camp and the team is excited to see what he can do in a game. They will have that chance this Friday.