Jeanty returns for opener.
Raiders Running Back Ashton Jeanty Returns to Full Practice Before Season Opener
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Key Points
1
Jeanty was helped off the field after landing awkwardly on the practice-facility turf while diving for a low pass from veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on Aug. 23.
2
The injury initially appeared serious because Jeanty could not put much pressure on his right leg as he left practice, but subsequent examinations determined it was a low-ankle sprain rather than a long-term injury.
3
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak had expressed optimism about Jeanty’s Week 1 availability, while general manager John Spytek also suggested the running back could return sooner than expected.
4
Mike Washington Jr. produced 168 yards on 23 carries in three preseason games, averaging 7.3 yards per attempt and recording four runs of at least 10 yards.
5
Jeanty’s 975 rushing yards as a rookie came despite unstable offensive-line play, adding context to his 1,321 total yards from scrimmage.
Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty returned to full practice Wednesday, signaling he's ready for Sunday's season opener against Miami after suffering a low-ankle sprain on August 23. WTOP reported that Jeanty was initially helped off the field after landing awkwardly while diving for a pass, but subsequent examinations revealed the injury was less severe than feared. His availability gives Las Vegas a major boost as the team prepares to lean heavily on its rushing attack.
However, the Raiders will face the Dolphins without tight end Brock Bowers for at least one game after knee surgery. AP News noted that Las Vegas could manage Jeanty's workload by rotating in backup running backs Mike Washington Jr. and Dylan Laube, both of whom impressed during preseason action. The strategy allows the team to preserve Jeanty's ankle while maintaining a run-focused offensive identity.
Jeanty's Quick Recovery From August Setback
Jeanty's injury on August 23 looked serious on the surface. WTOP reported he could barely put weight on his right leg as he left practice after the diving mishap. But team doctors determined it was a low-ankle sprain — painful but not structurally damaging. Coach Klint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek both expressed optimism that Jeanty would return sooner than typical ankle-injury timelines.
Washington Jr. Ready to Share the Workload
Mike Washington Jr. proved during preseason that he can be a credible backup. Newsday outlined his production across three games: 168 yards on 23 carries, averaging 7.3 yards per attempt with four runs gaining at least 10 yards. Those numbers suggest the Raiders have a capable complementary back to rotate in and limit Jeanty's touches while his ankle heals. The pairing gives Las Vegas flexibility without sacrificing ground-game effectiveness.
Jeanty's First-Year Production Sets High Bar
Jeanty's impact as a rookie makes his availability against Miami especially valuable. AP News noted he recorded 1,321 total yards from scrimmage despite playing behind an inconsistent offensive line. His 975 rushing yards came in difficult circumstances. With Kirk Cousins now running the offense and Washington Jr. ready to spell him, Las Vegas aims to establish a dominant run game from the start of the season.
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