Raiders' Jeanty Suffers Ankle Injury, Week 1 Status Uncertain
Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty left practice early with a right knee injury, later reported as an ankle sprain. The team is relieved it's not a long-term issue, but his availability for Week 1 is unclear. Jeanty, a 2025 first-round pick, had 975 rushing yards as a rookie.
Jeanty was injured during a passing drill when a low throw from quarterback Kirk Cousins forced him to dive, with no contact from defender Darien Porter. He could not put weight on his right leg and was helped off the field, leaving teammates kneeling in prayer. The injury was later classified as an ankle sprain, described as "more low than high," which carries a more favorable recovery timeline.
The Raiders have not committed to a timeline, but with Week 1 against Miami on September 13, the team may lean on rookie Mike Washington Jr. and veterans Dylan Laube and Dare Ogunbowale. Jeanty's rookie season included 975 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and 55 receptions, and new head coach Klint Kubiak has planned to make him the offensive centerpiece.
This injury could affect Raiders fans and fantasy football managers who invested in Jeanty as a featured back. A missed Week 1 or early-season absence may shift the team's offensive identity and test their depth at running back. The outcome could also influence early-season AFC playoff positioning, though the team's measured response suggests they are cautiously optimistic about his return.