Klint Kubiak Says Ashton Jeanty 'On the Mend' After Sunday Practice Injury

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty is recovering from a suspected ankle sprain suffered during a Sunday practice session.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Tuesday that second-year running back Ashton Jeanty is "on the mend" following an injury sustained during Sunday's practice session. While Kubiak declined to specify if the ball carrier will begin the regular season on injured reserve, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that the player is believed to have suffered a sprained ankle. The incident occurred at the Henderson, Nevada facility when Jeanty landed awkwardly on the turf grass while attempting to catch a low pass delivered by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

During the play in question, Jeanty dove for the ball and remained on the ground before being attended to by athletic trainers. Witnesses noted that the running back was unable to put any pressure on his right leg as he was helped off the field. The severity of the situation prompted teammates and coaching staff to take a knee and offer a prayer on the practice field. Kubiak noted that the team's collective reaction demonstrated the roster's reliance on the second-year player and their excitement regarding his eventual return.

Roster Adjustments and Practice Changes

In the two days following the injury, the Raiders altered their training routine by moving the team period to the outdoor practice field. The sessions now begin inside for stretching, a 25-minute special teams block, and individual drills before transitioning outside. Kubiak stated that the move to the outdoor surface was his personal decision, though he did not elaborate on the specific reasoning behind the change. The shift comes as the team prepares for the regular season without a definitive timeline for their primary backfield contributor.

With Jeanty sidelined, rookie Mike Washington Jr. has stepped into the starting role, taking the majority of first-team repetitions during practice. The former Arkansas standout has already produced significant numbers during the preseason, recording 15 carries for 119 total yards across two games. Washington Jr. currently maintains a 7.9 yards per carry average, highlighted by a 53-yard rushing attempt during the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals at home.

Mike Washington Jr. Impact and Performance

Kubiak praised Washington Jr. for his maturity and ability to quickly adapt to the increased workload. The coach emphasized that the rookie understands the team is counting on him to reach full speed immediately. If Jeanty is forced to miss regular-season contests, the Raiders will rely heavily on Washington Jr. to maintain the offensive rhythm established during his 119-yard preseason performance.

The coaching staff continues to monitor Jeanty's recovery progress while integrating Washington Jr. into the primary offensive schemes. The team has not provided further updates on the specific medical tests performed on Jeanty's right leg since the Sunday afternoon incident. As the regular season approaches, the distribution of backfield touches remains a focal point for the Las Vegas offense in Henderson.