Raiders’ running back Ashton Jeanty left practice early with an apparent right leg injury. According to Ryan McFadden of ESPN, Jeanty couldn’t put any weight on his leg as he left the field.
Adding to the concern, the entire team took a knee for a prayer after Jeanty was hurt.
Jeanty was selected with the sixth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Raiders gave Jeanty a massive workload last season, but thanks to a poor offensive line, Jeanty had an inefficient season, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.
With a new coaching staff and an upgrade on the offensive line, the Raiders were hoping to see Jeanty shine this season.
There is no official update from the Raiders at this time, making Jeanty’s prognosis unknown. But if this is a serious injury, Las Vegas’ backfield will be in disarray.
Mike Washington
The Raiders drafted Mike Washington in the fourth round of the draft, and the rookie has looked good in the preseason. He rushed 15 times for 119 yards against the Cardinals and Texans.
Washington posted the fastest 40-yard-dash time for a running back at the combine. His speed has helped him pick up two gains over 30 yards in the preseason, accounting for 2 of the 4 Raiders’ plays of at least 30 yards. But the Raiders were not planning for Washington to be anything more than a backup to Jeanty.
However, the Raiders’ depth behind Washington is rough. Dylan Laube has operated as the third back in the preseason. But he has eight career carries for nine yards with two lost fumbles. The Raiders were planning for him to be nothing more than a special teamer that only saw offensive snaps in a blowout.
Behind Laube is Dare Ogunbowale, a veteran the Raiders signed during camp. Ogunbowale has been in the NFL for nine years, but has only totaled 594 rushing yards. He has been more productive in the passing game, collecting 850 career receiving yards.
If the Raiders need another running back to be more than a special teamer, Ogunbowale could jump Laube on the depth chart.
Offensive Talent
The Raiders lack talent across the offense. Brock Bowers, Tyler Linderbaum and Kolton Miller are the only proven offensive players. Jeanty was likely to join that group this season. Losing him will put the Raiders’ skill position group as one of the absolute worst in the NFL.
Bowers is a premier tight end, but the wide receiver room is awful and without Jeanty, the running back group is unproven.
New head coach Klint Kubiak was hired for his offensive excellence in Seattle last season. But he will have his work cut out for him if Tre Tucker is his second best offensive weapon.
