Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty Uncertain for Week 1 After Ankle Sprain

Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty is recovering from a sprained ankle as the team prepares for its season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek confirmed Tuesday that second-year running back Ashton Jeanty is in a "good spot" regarding his recovery from a sprained ankle. Despite this positive assessment, Jeanty’s availability for the Week 1 season opener against the Miami Dolphins remains uncertain. The ball carrier was forced to leave an indoor practice session last Sunday after suffering the injury, requiring assistance from trainers to exit the field. The incident occurred during a standard drill, halting his momentum just days before the 2026 campaign was set to kick off in South Florida.

Key details

Jeanty did not participate in Tuesday's practice session in Henderson, Nevada. Instead, he was observed working on the side field under the supervision of the medical staff. He was joined there by fellow second-year player Dont'e Thornton Jr., a wide receiver who was recently placed on injured reserve. Spytek noted that the running back is attacking his rehabilitation with a great mindset and suggested the recovery timeline might be shorter than external expectations, stating he expects the player back "maybe quicker than some people would expect." This optimism stems from the athlete's history of durability and his immediate response to the treatment protocols initiated by the Raiders' training department.

With the starter's status in doubt, rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. has ascended to the top of the Raiders' depth chart. The former Arkansas standout earned the position following a productive preseason where he recorded 23 carries for 168 yards. This performance resulted in an average of 7.3 yards per attempt, a metric that led the team during the three-game exhibition slate. Washington demonstrated explosive capability during exhibition play by recording four separate carries that gained 10 or more yards, showcasing a vertical speed that complements the Raiders' new offensive scheme.

Spytek characterized Washington’s preseason as "great" and emphasized that the coaching staff is excited about the progress he has displayed since being drafted. The organization maintains an expectation that the rookie will be a significant contributor to winning football games during the upcoming season, regardless of how the backfield rotation shakes out. The transition to Washington comes as the team prepares for the tactical demands of the Miami Dolphins defense, which ranked in the top half of the league in rushing yards allowed per game last year.

The Raiders have not established a definitive return date for Jeanty, with Spytek opting for a "we'll see" approach regarding the specific timing of his comeback. The general manager highlighted the difficulty of keeping the second-year back down, noting his resilient approach to physical setbacks. This injury marks the first significant health hurdle for Jeanty since his transition into his sophomore NFL season, a year in which he was expected to take on a primary bell-cow role. The medical team is currently focusing on reducing inflammation in the joint before testing his lateral cutting ability on the grass.

Latest developments

While Thornton Jr. occupies a spot on injured reserve, the Raiders are monitoring Jeanty's daily progress to determine if he can suit up for the first game. The team’s offensive strategy for the opener currently hinges on Washington’s ability to maintain his high efficiency against regular-season competition. All eyes remain on the side field in Henderson as the training staff evaluates Jeanty’s mobility leading up to the weekend. If he is unable to go, the workload will shift entirely to the rookie and the remaining depth pieces on the active roster.

During the Sunday practice where the injury occurred, Jeanty had been taking first-team reps exclusively. The sudden shift in personnel has forced offensive coordinators to adjust their play-calling scripts for the Miami matchup. Washington’s 168-yard preseason total included a long run of 28 yards, proving he can handle the physical nature of the professional game. The Raiders' front office remains confident that the depth built during the offseason will mitigate the loss of their projected leading rusher if he remains sidelined.

Internal evaluations of the ankle sprain suggest it is not a high-ankle variety, which typically carries a multi-week recovery window. Instead, the focus is on the low-ankle area, allowing for a more aggressive rehabilitation schedule. Spytek’s comments suggest that the player’s natural healing ability is a factor in the team’s refusal to place him on a short-term reserve list. The decision on his Week 1 status will likely come down to a game-time evaluation during pre-game warmups at Hard Rock Stadium.

As the Raiders finalize their travel plans for the trip to Miami, the medical report remains the primary document of interest for the coaching staff. The absence of Jeanty from the main practice group on Wednesday would further signal that Washington is the designated starter for the opener. The rookie's 7.3 yards-per-carry average remains the benchmark for the ground game as they prepare to face a Dolphins front seven that prides itself on gap discipline. The final injury report, due later this week, will provide the definitive word on Jeanty’s official game status.