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OAKLAND -- Running back Michael Bush said the left thumb injury he suffered is a Bennett fracture. That's not good news as far as the Raiders are concerned.

A Bennett fracture occurs in the area of the base of the first metacarpal, where the thumb connects to the wrist, and affects the ability to grip.

According to Dr. Michael Schwartz, a player returning from a Bennett fracture in four to six weeks would be a "best-case scenario." Schwartz spoke without knowing the specifics of Bush's injury.

Schwartz is a New York-based orthopedic surgeon who is the team doctor for Hofstra University and also worked with the New Jersey Dragons of the Arena Football League and the New York Islanders of the NHL.

Raiders coach Tom Cable, who decided the day of Bush's surgery Monday that he no longer would speak about injuries until he's required to do so in the regular season, conceded that he's hopeful Bush will be ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 12. Schwartz's assessment of the injury makes that a long shot, at best.

Several medical websites said it takes two to three months for a full recovery from a Bennett fracture. Therefore, it's likely that the Raiders will be leaning upon Darren McFadden to be their lead back early in the season.

Bush said he had screws inserted into his thumb, which is consistent with the procedure outlined on the websites.

Unless Bush decides to play with his left hand in a cast, the injury also makes

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it likely that Cable will be forced to keep Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett on the 53-man roster.

  • Raiders punter Shane Lechler was presented the Golden Toe Award as the league's best kicker. He is the first punter to receive the award since 1993. Former Raiders who won the award were Jeff Gossett (1991) and Ray Guy (1975).

    "It's been a fun 11 years, and I hope I kick for 11 more," Lechler said after he received the award.

  • Trevor Scott started at right defensive end, which portends he will be bouncing back between weakside linebacker and defensive end this season. The move had nothing to do with the starters being out, either; projected starters Lamarr Houston and Matt Shaughnessy also played end on the first drive.

  • Samson Satele (ankle) returned to the starting lineup after missing one game. Cable said he still hasn't decided whether Satele or rookie Jared Veldheer will start the regular-season opener. Satele was the starter last season.

  • Cornerback Chris Johnson (hamstring) played for the first time since Aug. 12. He started the game in a final audition for Cable to decide whether Johnson or Stanford Routt starts opposite Nnamdi Asomugha.