Raiders, Ashton Jeanty Get Potential Good News

HENDERSON, Nev.—A short time ago, the Las Vegas Raiders were able to take a deep breath after what was a heart-pounding, terrible afternoon.

What Happened

Earlier today at the team’s headquarters, the Raiders were practicing indoors to avoid the heat. On a routine pass play, super-sophomore RB Ashton Jeanty was being covered by CB Darien Porter (fellow alumnus of the Raiders' 2025 NFL Draft class) and dove for a football thrown by Kirk Cousins.

From my vantage, there did not appear to be any collision, but either way, Jeanty needed assistance to get off the field. Putting no pressure on his right leg, his teammates, upon noticing the injury, took to their knees, and players were seen praying for their teammate.

Ashton Jeanty | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

It did not look good.

Looks Aren’t Everything

Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, who had to be helped off the practice field today, is believed to have sprained his ankle, sources tell @rapsheet and me. The Raiders still are unsure how long he will be out, but it is not considered a long-term injury and the organization is breathing… pic.twitter.com/toRYADmjo1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2026

A short time ago, Adam Schefter reported, “Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, who had to be helped off the practice field today, is believed to have sprained his ankle, sources tell and me. (Ian Rapoport) The Raiders still are unsure how long he will be out, but it is not considered a long-term injury and the organization is breathing a sigh of relief tonight. Raiders declined comment on Jeanty’s injury.”

In response to that report, I reached out moments ago to a member of the Raiders organization who told me, “Nothing to report here as rock solid, but I would say preliminary thoughts are that it isn’t disastrous as thought, and considering of how bad it could have been, it appeaers as good as could hope. Would expect more tests tomorrow to confirm, so I don't think anything is definitive.”

Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

Officially, the Raiders have yet to reveal any information or make an official statement.

What Does This Mean?

I do not believe Jeanty was going to play Thursday night against the San Francisco 49ers in the team’s final preseason tilt if this hadn't happened.

The Raiders were able to draft a terrific RB2 in the last NFL Draft, Mike Washington Jr. (MWJ). The former Arkansas Razorback has had an exceptional training camp and is expected to be an integral part of the Klint Kubiak scheme.

Spytek’s Guy

As the GM of the Raiders, John Spytek selected Jeanty as his first pick. He spoke earlier this year about his thoughts on Jeanty’s rookie campaign.

Pete Carroll, Ashton Jeanty, John Spytek Las Vegas Raiders | Darrell Craig Harris On SI

“I'm proud of Ashton [Jeanty]. It wasn't an easy season for him. He showed up every day and worked. He showed up every game and competed. He was always available for his teammates. He was an exemplary worker, and we've got to do a better job surrounding him with a lot of players that can help him too. His success -- I know there's been a lot of narratives out there that he didn't have the season that maybe he deserved or you would expect from the sixth overall pick. Well, that's fine, but it's not just Ashton. There's 10 other people that are out there with him, and it's our job to put a great group of guys around him to help him realize his potential."

Kubiak’s System

Klint Kubiak led the Seattle Seahawks offense to a Super Bowl championship this past season, before coming to the desert to lead the Raiders' rebuild.

Kubiak predicates his system on the two-RB model; in worst-case scenarios like the one with Jeanty, he may have avoided it.

If the test confirms Jeanty and the Raiders dodged a bullet, the situation itself confirms why Kubiak runs the system he does.

Tap the Breaks

Last year, when Kolton Miller was injured, the team was encouraged early, but final test results ended his season.

While signs tonight look promising, we'll wait for the Raiders' final word confirming what would be great news.

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