Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty is dealing with an ankle injury after being helped from the field during Sunday’s practice, creating concern for the team with the 2026 NFL regular season approaching.
Jeanty went down during a non-contact practice drill on August 23 while attempting to catch a pass. He was unable to put weight on his right leg and required assistance from trainers to leave the field. The incident initially raised concerns about a potentially serious leg or knee injury.
However, subsequent reports from NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated that Jeanty is believed to have suffered a sprained ankle. The injury is reportedly not considered long-term, although there was no confirmed timetable for his return as of August 25.
The Raiders had not initially released a detailed medical statement, and the team was awaiting further evaluation. Head coach Klint Kubiak was scheduled to speak with reporters Tuesday, potentially providing additional information about Jeanty’s condition and his availability moving forward.
The injury is particularly significant because Jeanty is expected to be a central part of the Raiders’ offense in his second NFL season. The sixth overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jeanty made an immediate impact as a rookie, starting all 17 games and recording 975 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, along with 346 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.
Las Vegas had been carefully managing Jeanty during the preseason. He appeared briefly in the Raiders’ preseason opener against Arizona, carrying the ball three times for 16 yards, and did not play in the team’s following preseason game against Houston.
If Jeanty is forced to miss significant practice time, rookie Mike Washington Jr. could receive an expanded role. Washington, a fourth-round selection from Arkansas, has impressed during training camp and has received first-team opportunities. He had 15 preseason carries for 119 yards entering the Raiders’ final preseason game.
For now, the available information provides some relief for Las Vegas: the injury is being characterized as an ankle sprain rather than the more serious knee injury initially feared. Nevertheless, his exact recovery timeline remains uncertain, and his availability for the Raiders’ season opener has not been confirmed. CBS Sports currently lists Jeanty’s Week 1 status as uncertain.
The Raiders are scheduled to begin their regular-season campaign against the Miami Dolphins on September 13. Whether Jeanty will be ready to take the field remains one of the team’s most closely watched injury questions as the opener approaches.
For now, Raiders fans and fantasy football managers are waiting for the next medical update. The early indication that Jeanty avoided a major long-term injury provides optimism, but until the Raiders establish a recovery timeline, his status should be considered day-to-day and uncertain rather than guaranteed for Week 1.
