The Las Vegas Raiders remain hopeful that Ashton Jeanty will be available for the start of the 2026 season, although the running back has not yet been cleared to return to practice.
Head coach Klint Kubiak said Friday, Aug. 28, that Jeanty is still recovering from the ankle injury he suffered during practice on Aug. 23. Kubiak declined to provide additional details about the severity of the injury but made it clear that the team expects to have him available for Week 1.
What happened to Ashton Jeanty?
Jeanty was injured during a Raiders practice after landing awkwardly while attempting to dive for a pass. The running back needed assistance from trainers and left the session unable to put normal pressure on his right leg.
Subsequent reports indicated that Jeanty suffered an ankle sprain. However, Las Vegas has not provided an official timetable for his return, and Kubiak has remained cautious when discussing injuries.
The coach only confirmed that Jeanty is recovering and that the team will have another week to evaluate his progress before the regular season begins.
The Raiders are counting on Jeanty for Week 1
Kubiak's most important comment came when he said the Raiders are counting on Jeanty to be available for the start of the season. That is not a confirmation that he will play, but it shows that the team is not currently planning for a lengthy absence.
Las Vegas opens the season on Sept. 13 against the Miami Dolphins, giving Jeanty additional time to recover.
The organization will have to balance the need to have him ready with the importance of avoiding a rushed return before his ankle is prepared for the demands of an NFL game.
Mike Washington Jr. gains a bigger role
While Jeanty recovers, Mike Washington Jr. has received additional opportunities in the offense. The fourth-round pick in the 2026 Draft impressed throughout training camp and the preseason.
Kubiak said he expects Washington to have an important role during the season, although the ideal plan is for him to complement Jeanty rather than necessarily become the primary running back.
That gives Las Vegas another option if Jeanty needs additional recovery time. Washington can also use the opening games of the season to prove he deserves a larger role.
Jeanty is coming off an impactful rookie season
The concern surrounding the injury makes sense because of Jeanty's importance to the Raiders' plans. Las Vegas selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he immediately became an important part of the offense.
During his rookie season, Jeanty played all 17 games and totaled 1,321 scrimmage yards, including 975 rushing yards, along with 10 total touchdowns.
The Raiders expect Jeanty to take another step forward in his second season and become one of the team's primary offensive weapons alongside players such as Brock Bowers.
Will Ashton Jeanty play against the Dolphins?
For now, there is no definitive answer. The Raiders want another week to see how Jeanty's ankle responds and have not publicly established a firm return date.
The situation could become clearer during the first week of the regular season, when official injury reports begin and the team must establish Jeanty's status for the game against Miami.
The positive news for Las Vegas is that Kubiak continues to speak about Jeanty as part of the team's Week 1 plans. The concern is that the running back is not yet ready to return and any setback could quickly change the situation.
With the season opener still two weeks away, the Raiders have time to wait. The priority will be making sure Ashton Jeanty is healthy for the game that truly matters.