The second-year star was diagnosed with a sprained ankle, though the injury is not considered long-term, according to reports from NFL Network and ESPN.
Practice Field Scare and Team Reaction
The Las Vegas Raiders held their breath during a team period on Sunday when running back Ashton Jeanty went down after diving to catch a pass, landing awkwardly on his right leg. The 22-year-old stayed on the ground until he was helped off the field by trainers, and was unable to put any pressure or weight on his right leg. As Jeanty remained on the ground, the indoor practice facility went silent.
According to reports, Jeanty stayed on the ground until he was helped off the field by trainers, at which point the entire team knelt and prayed for their teammate.
The indoor practice facility grew entirely silent as the entire team knelt and prayed for their teammate while he remained on the ground, according to field reports. The Raiders team subsequently took a knee in prayer, and it would seem the prayers have been answered when the severity of the initial appearance did not hold up.
Medical Diagnosis and Return Timeline
Initial fears of a severe setback eased later on Sunday when NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reported that Jeanty was diagnosed with a sprained ankle. While sources indicate the injury is not a long-term concern, the exact timeline for his return is unknown and remains undetermined, and it remains unclear whether the sprain is a high- or low-ankle issue, with the Raiders unsure how much time Jeanty will miss.
The Raiders have not yet provided a statement on Jeanty’s injury, and head coach Klint Kubiak is not scheduled to speak with reporters until Tuesday, leaving the team’s official commentary pending. Jeanty, along with the majority of Las Vegas’ starters, did not play in the team’s Week 2 preseason win on Thursday over the Houston Texans. He had just three carries for 16 yards against the Arizona Cardinals in the team’s first preseason game, and did not play in the team’s second preseason game against the Houston Texans.
Backfield Depth and Rookie Options
If Jeanty were to miss any time during the regular season, the Raiders would turn to a backfield committee. Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. has impressed so far in two preseason games and would likely be thrust into the lead role if Jeanty is forced to miss any games. Washington took the first-team reps in Jeanty’s place following the injury, building on an already strong training camp performance that had already seen him taking some first-team reps prior to Jeanty’s injury.
- Mike Washington Jr., fourth-round rookie running back
- Dylan Laube, tailback
- Roman Hemby, undrafted rookie tailback
- Dare Ogunbowale, veteran running back
- Connor Heyward and Patrick Gurd, fullbacks
Jeanty is coming off a productive rookie campaign last year despite playing behind a poor offensive line, in which he recorded 1,321 scrimmage yards—975 rushing yards and 346 receiving yards on 55 catches—along with 10 total touchdowns (five apiece rushing and receiving) across 17 games, establishing himself as a centerpiece of the Las Vegas offense.
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