Oakland Raiders should consider Peyton Hillis for back up RB position

The Oakland Raiders really missed former back up running back Michael Bush in 2012. Not just because of Darren McFadden's tendency to get injured, but more importantly, because it left the Raiders without a legitimate option in short yardage situations.

While there are a ton of other positions that need to be upgraded, the Raiders cannot go another season without a big, bruising style of back and ESPN's Bill Williamson had a rather intruiging option for the Raiders to consider -- Peyton Hillis.

The former Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs running back had a terrible year in 2012, being plagued with injuries and unable to get much playing time behind a resurgent Jamaal Charles. But that is actually a reason why the Raiders should consider Hillis.

He is coming off of not just one bad season, but back to back injury plagued seasons. As a result, he is not going to command a big salary and might be had at the league minimum. Before those two seasons, however, Hillis had a huge year with the Cleveland Browns and even found himself on the cover of Madden 12 video game (Madden curse anyone?).

Hillis has shown he can play in the NFL, but has not been able to do so recently because of injuries. At the end of last season, however, Hillis finally began to look like he was healthy and put up a 100 yard performance in week 16. Since the Raiders clearly have a starter in McFadden, Hillis would not be asked to do much besides being a short yardage back and giving McFadden a breather now and then.

Hillis is a big boy at 6'2 250lbs and can easily run the ball between the tackles, which is exactly what the Raiders need. Obviously, the Raiders would have to temper expectations because Hillis is not likely to have another outstanding year. But the Raiders only need a solid year.