Ashton Jeanty Injury Update: Will the Raiders RB Start in Week 1?
Raiders RB1 Ashton Jeanty sprained his ankle.
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Ashton Jeanty (Image via IMAGO)
Ashton Jeanty is a key part of the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense. Head coach Klint Kubiak leans heavily on the run game wherever he coaches. In Seattle, Kenneth Walker became Kubiak’s go-to guy for gaining extra yardage on the ground. Kubiak and offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko created a blueprint to get the best out of Jeanty in 2026. However, the Raiders may need to make a few adjustments to that plan.
That’s because Jeanty picked up an injury at practice. And according to Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the second-year rusher suffered an ankle sprain.
The severity of Jeanty’s injury remains unclear until the doctors run further tests. Depending on the damage, Jeanty could be sidelined for five to six weeks. If so, then he will likely be unfit to suit up for the Raiders when they host the Miami Dolphins in the second week of September.
#Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, who had to be helped off the practice field today, is believed to have sprained his ankle, sources tell @AdamSchefter and me.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 24, 2026
Las Vegas still are unsure how long he will be out, but it is not considered a long-term injury and the organization is… pic.twitter.com/NchDFQDSdw
What happened to Ashton Jeanty?
Kubiak rested Jeanty for the Raiders’ preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Friday. The Raiders returned to Vegas the following day.
On Sunday, the Raiders held their regular practice at the facility. During one drill, Jeanty ran a route into the flat and turned to field an underthrown pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins. The pass drove him close to cornerback Darien Porter. Jeanty stayed on the ground, grimacing in pain. Staffers helped him walk on the sidelines before escorting him for a medical checkup.
Ashton Jeanty didn't finish practice after diving to catch a pass from Kirk Cousins. Dove in the vicinity of Darien Porter, who also made a play on the ball. Jeanty couldn't put weight on his right leg. Team took a knee and prayed in silence.
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) August 23, 2026
The Raiders drafted Jeanty 6th overall in 2025. In his rookie year, the Boise State alum rushed for 975 yards (on 3.7 yards per carry) and five touchdowns. He also caught 55 passes for 346 yards and five touchdowns.
Jeanty was poised to take a massive leap in year two. Kubiak and general manager John Spytek worked hard to fix the offensive line to improve the rushing game, and Jeanty noticed how the changes felt different from last year, in a good way.
The level of detail, to each and every single run, the motions, all types of things we’re doing, just to execute in the run game. I love what I’m seeing so far.
Jeanty said (H/T The California Post)
The offensive line has big veteran guys like Kolton Miller and third-year lineman Jackson Power-Johnson. The Raiders further solidified the center by signing 3x Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum from the Ravens. According to Pro Football Focus, the Raiders boast the 18th-best offensive line, which doesn’t sound like much but is far better than last year.
Who are Ashton Jeanty’s backups?
One name that has put the NFL on alert is rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. The Raiders selected the former Arkansas man in the fourth round this year. In the first preseason game against the Cardinals, Washington Jr. had 63 yards on 6 carries, and against the Texans, he rushed 9 times for 56 yards.
Mike Washington Jr. is going to be a PROBLEM
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) August 21, 2026
This type of size and explosiveness as an RB2 is dangerous pic.twitter.com/Z89AOkyiRL
The Raiders also have third-year running back Dylan Laube, who scored a touchdown in Houston, eighth-year running back Dare Ogunbowale (594 career rushing yards), and undrafted rookie running back Roman Hemby (won the college football championship with Indiana).
#Raiders RB room outside of Jeanty:
— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) August 23, 2026
– Rookie Mike Washington Jr.
– UDFA Roman Hemby
– Dylan Laube
– Dare Ogunbowale
Take away Jeanty, and the room has a combined 603 rushing yards (594 from Ogunbowale and 9 from Laube).
The Raiders close out their preseason adventure by hosting the San Francisco 49ers.
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