"Raiders running back Justin Fargas practiced for the first time in three weeks Monday, taking a gigantic step toward returning to the starting lineup Sunday at New Orleans.

"We kind of limited him but, if you know him, he was champing at the bit to just go, and did a lot of work," interim head coach Tom Cable said. "It was good to see him out there, good to see that one-cut downhill guy."

Still no return sign of rookie backup Darren McFadden, who watched practice yet again with a protective boot covering his turf toe.

His slow recovery makes Fargas' comeback all the more invaluable to an offense that leads the AFC with 155 rushing yards per game but was held to less than 100 rushing yards the past two games.

Fargas' groin isn't fully healed, but he said it's close enough at this point.

"I still have time," he said. "If I can go, I'm going to go.""