Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty Suffers Ankle Sprain During Sunday Practice Session

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty was helped off the field Sunday with a sprained ankle after diving for a Kirk Cousins pass.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, suffered a sprained ankle during a team practice session on Sunday in Henderson, Nevada. The injury occurred inside the practice facility on turf grass when Jeanty dove for a low pass thrown by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins during a route-running drill. Jeanty landed awkwardly and remained on the ground before athletic trainers assisted him off the field. The second-year back was unable to put any pressure on his right leg as he exited the session.

Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that the injury is believed to be a sprain and is not considered a long-term issue. However, the Raiders organization has not yet determined a specific timeline for his return and declined to comment officially on the situation. Following the incident, Raiders players took a knee and said a prayer on the field. Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr., who had been alternating starting reps with Jeanty throughout training camp, took over all first-team repetitions for the remainder of Sunday's practice.

Statistical Impact and Roster Depth

Jeanty enters the 2026 season following a productive rookie campaign where he started 17 games. During that span, he recorded 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries. His versatility in the passing game resulted in 55 receptions for 346 yards and an additional five touchdowns. The Raiders' offensive scheme, led by first-time head coach Klint Kubiak, intended to utilize Jeanty as a central figure in a run-heavy system.

With Jeanty sidelined, the Raiders' depth chart at the position features Mike Washington Jr., Dylan Laube, undrafted rookie Roman Hemby, and veteran Dare Ogunbowale. Washington has reportedly put together a strong training camp performance leading up to this increase in workload. The team recently secured a preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday, a game in which Jeanty and other projected starters did not participate. Jeanty’s most recent game action took place during the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

Preparation for Season Opener

The Raiders are currently preparing for their regular-season debut against the Miami Dolphins, scheduled for September 13. The health of the backfield is a primary concern as the team transitions to Kubiak's new offensive philosophy. Jeanty's 1,321 total yards from scrimmage last season represented a significant portion of the team's offensive output, making his recovery timeline critical for the Week 1 roster configuration.

Before the injury, Jeanty was expected to build upon his 3.66 yards per carry average from his debut season. The transition to Washington Jr. during practice marks a shift in the backfield dynamic just weeks before the trip to Miami. While the injury is not viewed as a season-ending event, the lack of a definitive return date leaves the starting role temporary in the hands of the rookie out of the backfield rotation. The Raiders continue their training camp schedule in Henderson as they evaluate the severity of the sprain.