Raiders OC Greg Knapp indicated that he is pleased with the team's running back depth behind Darren McFadden.

With Mike Goodson and Taiwan Jones vying for the No. 2 back role, it doesn't sound like they'll be signing Cedric Benson. "In my background ... I'm a believer in you need at least two backs for a season because the durability factor is so hard," Knapp explained. "So, I'm glad we have some depth there."

The Contra Costa Times' Steve Corkran envisions Taiwan Jones as a "complementary back" in the long run.

Jones is slight of build with an upright running style and an extensive college injury history. While we love his play-making ability in Dynasty leagues, he's ideally suited to a change-of-pace role behind a more durable early-down back.

Taiwan Jones (hamstring) returned to Raiders practice Tuesday.

Jones was likely limited, but he appears on track to play for the first time since Week 11. If active Saturday, the speed back would only be in line for a handful of touches behind workhorse Michael Bush.

Raiders RB Taiwan Jones (hamstring) is not practicing again in Week 15.

It's been nearly a full month since Jones suffered the hamstring injury. Michael Bush will play all three downs again versus the Lions this week.

Taiwan Jones (hamstring) is not practicing again this week.

With Jones out, the Raiders are still missing their four fastest offensive weapons. It's been nearly three weeks since Jones sustained the hamstring injury.

Taiwan Jones (hamstring) is not practicing again this week.

It's been nearly two weeks since Jones sustained the injury, and he's yet to practice. Look for FB Marcel Reece to back up Michael Bush against the Dolphins.

Raiders RB Taiwan Jones (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday.

Oakland's slippery change-of-pace back is looking doubtful for Week 12, meaning Marcel Reece will likely serve as Michael Bush's backup against the Bears' 10th ranked run defense. Even if he does play, Jones won't receive enough touches to make a fantasy impact.

Raiders RB Taiwan Jones sustained a hamstring injury in Sunday's win over the Vikings.

Despite Darren McFadden's absence, the speedy Jones hasn't really gotten involved in the offense. Over the last three games, he's averaged 3.6 touches from scrimmage. Marcel Reece functioned as Michael Bush's backup after Jones went down yesterday.

Taiwan Jones is working as the Raiders' kickoff returner with Jacoby Ford (foot) out this week.

If Jones is anointed the kickoff returner for this week's game at Minnesota, it gives him more appeal as a potential flex option in return-yardage leagues. Don't expect more than 6-8 touches behind Michael Bush in the ground attack.

Taiwan Jones rushed seven times for 39 yards against the Chargers in Week 10.

The explosive rookie proved that he can get to the edge with the best of the change-of-pace backs. He would have added another 15-20 yards if not for an iffy blocking penalty on Darrius Heyward-Bey. Keep Jones stashed in Dynasty leagues.

Rookie Taiwan Jones is expected to fill the change-of-pace role behind Michael Bush this week against the Broncos.

Jones has been splitting reps with Bush in practice this week. He won't be guaranteed more than a handful of touches, but Jones does have the 4.3 speed and agility to take it to the house. Desperate Darren McFadden owners who don't have Bush rostered should think about taking a flier on Jones.

Taiwan Jones rushed three times for 18 yards and added a 30-yard catch in Sunday's loss to the Chiefs.

Even with Darren McFadden leaving early in the first quarter, Jones had a very small role. His 30-yard gain on a screen pass came in garbage time and Michael Bush handled virtually all the running back duties before that. The speedy Jones is going to be a player eventually, but the Raiders don't appear to trust him just yet.

The Raiders are still planning to involve rookie RB Taiwan Jones in the offense "at some point" this season.

Jones shined during the preseason, but is stuck behind perhaps the best running back duo in the league. He's a great investment in dynasty leagues, but it wouldn't be surprising if he ended up logging fewer than 25 touches this season.

Rookie Taiwan Jones led the Raiders with 81 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries and 18 yards on two receptions against the Saints in the third preseason game.

He also had a long gainer on a screen pass nullified by penalty. High-cut like Jerious Norwood and lean, Jones isn't built like any feature back in the NFL. The good news is that he's every bit as explosive as he was billed to be in the open field, with stronger than expected leg strength. Unlike Darrius Heyward-Bey his electric speed translates to the football field as a legit weapon. The bad news is that Jones was absolutely destroyed in blitz pickup by Saints LB Jonathan Casillas. The fourth-rounder is a Dynasty league gem, but will need injuries for a 2011 fantasy impact.

Rookie RB Taiwan Jones is being groomed for a "special package of plays."

The Raiders want to take advantage of Jones' 4.3 speed, but he's not going to see more than 3-4 touches per game as a rookie. Long-term, he projects as an explosive change-of-pace option to Darren McFadden.

Raiders rookie RB Taiwan Jones (hamstring) returned to practice Monday.

Jones essentially missed all of camp, which isn't a promising sign for a player who was injured for large chunks of his college career. The Raiders shouldn't struggle to bring Jones back in slowly. He's their No. 4 back at best.

Rookie RB Taiwan Jones has been sidelined in Raiders camp with a hamstring injury.

According to beat writer Steve Corkran, there's "no question" the fourth-rounder will make the final roster. Jones hasn't had much of an opportunity to play in camp, but the Raiders are infatuated with his speed. The former Eastern Washington star is more of a Dynasty league stash than a possibility for 2011 value.

Raiders signed fourth-round RB Taiwan Jones to a four-year contract.

The Raiders couldn't resist Jones' blinding, 4.3 speed in the draft, but he's entered a deep depth chart at running back. If Jacoby Ford becomes a full-time receiver, perhaps Jones could replace him on the return unit. In his rookie season at least, we're not expecting any impact from the Eastern Washington alum.