Ashton Jeanty, Raiders’ Rushing Attack is Still a Disaster

The Raiders’ 3-0 start to the season helped hide a dreadful running game. Despite the hot start, Ashton Jeanty was ineffective. 

Those problems continued on Sunday when the Raiders suffered their first defeat of the season. 

Jeanty took 15 carries and turned in 58 rushing yards. The Raiders have not been shy about giving Jeanty the ball this season. Through four games he has 78 carries but has only produced 264 rushing yards. His 3.4 yards per carry is worse than last season, when he finished bottom five in the NFL. 

Head coach Klint Kubiak was asked what it was going to take to get the rushing attack going. “We got to find that answer because that’ll be a big factor in us being a better team,” Kubiak said.

We have yet to really see why the Raiders drafted Jeanty sixth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has rushed for over 80 yards in just four of his 21 career games. Meanwhile, the Raiders have given him at least 15 carries in 14 of those games. 

Las Vegas is desperate for Jeanty to justify his draft status. He just hasn’t been able to do it. 

Jeanty’s Health

Jeanty appeared to be battling through an ankle injury in Sunday’s game. He pulled himself out at one point, but was never out of the game for long. 

In training camp, Jeanty suffered an ankle injury that caused his teammates to form a prayer circle. But the running back hasn’t missed a single game in the regular season. He has been on the injury report every week with the exception of Week 3. 

After the game Jeanty was asked about his ankle injury and if his preseason issue was still a problem. “Nah, I’m going to continue to keep getting better and stronger. It’s getting stronger, and I feel like I’m going to be 100% real soon,” Jeanty said.

Las Vegas hasn’t treated Jeanty as if he is hurt. He has been listed as a full participant in every practice during the regular season. Plus he is still top 10 in the league in carries. If he is dealing with an injury that is limiting his effectiveness, the Raiders should not be giving him one of the biggest workloads in the NFL. 

Mike Washington Jr.