Why Mike Washington Is Capable of RB1 Raiders Snaps

The Las Vegas Raiders have a few more weeks until the start of the regular season against the Miami Dolphins, as the optimism toward the franchise has evolved into hope, something Raider Nation has not held in some time.

Unfortunately, fans are holding their breath for the latest on running back Ashton Jeanty, who suffered a leg injury in practice on Sunday. Raiders On SI beat writer Hondo S. Carpenter Sr. reported that Jeanty could not put pressure on his right leg.

Jeanty L — May 20, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) speaks during a news conference during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Ashton Jeanty's Injury Brings Uncertainty

The exact severity of the injury is unknown at this time, and it is too early to panic about the next steps. Jeanty was expected to be one of the most important players on the entire roster and the engine of head coach Klint Kubiak's offense. This is a talented player who has the upside to become one of the best running backs in the sport, especially after the flashes he displayed late in 2025.

Jeanty Raider — Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) enters the field before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

However, this injury could keep Jeanty out for some time. This means the quarterback situation becomes all the more important, while tight end Brock Bowers may become the new engine of the unit. Yet I have confidence that even without Jeanty, the Raiders can withstand a potential blow thanks to their running back depth, specifically rookie Mike Washington Jr.

Raiders Rookie Has Chance To Shine for Las Vegas

Washington Raider — Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) hands off to Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The reason for that confidence is what I've seen for the past two weeks in the preseason. Washington has a chance to be a great player in this offensive system for the Raiders as a rookie because of what he brings to the table: power, downhill speed, contact balance, and improved vision as a running back, which have allowed him to attack gaps, lower his shoulder to break tackles, and generate explosive plays.

"I think Mike [Washington Jr.] comes to work. He works very hard every day," said Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko. "Mike comes and he studies very hard. He asks great questions. He's on his craft all the time, and it's something that you see translate into the practice field."

"It's something that we keep pushing him every single day. It's something that's always going to be a point of emphasis for him that he comes out every single day, he's prepared to the best of his ability, and then you see it translate onto the grass. So, that's something that we are always going to constantly be on him."

Now, is Washington a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield? That remains to be seen, as Dylan Laube would likely have a bigger role on third downs in the absence of Jeanty.

Regardless, Washington has seemingly proven to the coaching staff that he could be a bell cow for the offense in the interim. His skill set is the perfect complement to Jeanty and Laube. As the Raiders learn of their star running back's future, their rookie could help get the job done where they need it most.

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