Ashton Jeanty Active as Raiders Take on Patriots

Raiders’ running back Ashton Jeanty will play today when the Raiders face off with the Patriots. Jeanty is active despite his foot and ankle injuries. 

Jeanty subbed himself out of last week’s game multiple times, leading to a season-low snap share at just 67 percent. He has appeared to be bothered by his injury throughout the season, as he is averaging 3.4 yards per carry. Head coach Klint Kubiak doesn’t believe Jeanty has been negatively impacted by his injury.

“I don’t,” Kubiak said when asked if Jeanty’s injury was limiting him. “I think he’s been doing a great job. And again, he’s a leader on our team. He’s a guy we’re counting on. I couldn’t be more happy with Ashton. We got to keep getting him and the entire offense playing better every week. But no, I don’t think so.”

Jeanty is active this week, as he continues to play through injury.

Jeanty Timeline

During training camp Jeanty suffered an ankle injury in practice. He missed the Raiders’ final preseason game, but he returned to practice ahead of Week 1 and ran for 102 yards against the Dolphins. 

Before Week 5, Jeanty was either completely off the injury report or listed as a full participant every day. But this week, Jeanty picked up a foot injury in addition to his ankle issue.  

Kubiak declined to say when Jeanty injured his foot. But Jeanty started trending downward this week. He was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. However, he was listed as limited on Thursday before missing Friday’s practice entirely. 

Mike Washington Jr.’s Role 

Even though Jeanty is active, he could see a reduced workload. It is clear Jeanty has not been fully healthy, and he has struggled to produce.

Rookie Mike Washington Jr. is the backup that could see more work. Through the preseason and limited carries in the regular season, he has looked good. 

Washington ran for 168 yards in the preseason. He has just 24 carries in the regular season, but has 120 yards. He ripped off a 36-yard touchdown run in the Week 3 win over the Saints. Jeanty doesn’t have a rushing touchdown or a 20-yard rush this season. 

The Raiders’ running game has been awful once again. Las Vegas is dead last in the NFL in yards per carry. Jeanty has not been able to create anything as the Raiders workhorse. Even with Jeanty active, it would be wise to give Washington more chances to rip off explosive plays.