The Las Vegas Raiders have a backfield decision to confront after their 33-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Ashton Jeanty remains the primary option, but rookie Mike Washington Jr.’s production has made him an appealing option as the offense searches for a reliable ground game.
Jeanty and Washington combined for just 65 rushing yards against Buffalo. Jeanty had 10 carries for 22 yards, while Washington turned nine attempts into 43 yards and added a reception. The Raiders repeatedly found themselves playing from behind, and the lack of rushing efficiency left quarterback Kirk Cousins with 41 pass attempts.
Locked On Raiders host Qiant Myers argued that Washington earned more opportunities, especially after providing more than twice Jeanty’s rushing output on one fewer carry. Myers also raised the possibility that Jeanty could be dealing with an undisclosed physical issue.
The season-to-date numbers support a closer look at the distribution. Jeanty has 98 carries for 313 yards, an average of 3.2 yards per attempt, while Washington has gained 168 yards on 34 carries, a 4.9-yard average. That smaller sample does not automatically make Washington the better every-down option, but it gives Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak a tangible reason to expand the rookie’s role.
The issue also reaches beyond the backs. Myers pointed to an offensive line still searching for continuity, with the Raiders mixing personnel while trying to establish a dependable run game.
Kubiak does not need to turn the situation into a public competition. A more balanced split, however, could help preserve Jeanty, reward Washington’s recent production and give the offense another way to avoid becoming predictable. After three straight losses, the Raiders need that kind of practical adjustment more than another close-but-not-enough performance.
The next test comes in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, when the Raiders can show whether Washington’s Buffalo performance changes the plan or merely becomes another missed chance to solve a problem that has followed the offense through six games.
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