Evaluating Raiders rookie RB Mike Washington Jr. after Ashton Jeanty injury news

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Mike Washington Jr. with pick No. 122 in the 2026 NFL Draft as a change-of-pace running back for Ashton Jeanty. He may have to assume a much bigger role than anticipated. 

Ashton Jeanty suffers injury during Raiders practice 

On Sunday, Jeanty, who turns 23 on Dec. 2, reportedly injured his ankle after diving for a pass and landing awkwardly. Trainers helped him off the field, and he couldn't put any weight on his right leg. 

It's not considered to be a long-term injury for Jeanty. Head coach Klint Kubiak isn't scheduled to speak with the media until Tuesday. 

Can Mike Washington Jr. handle a bigger role if Ashton Jeanty misses time?

Let's assess if Washington, 23, can handle an expanded workload in a Raiders backfield that lacks experience. The team lists third-year back Dylan Laube as its RB3 and undrafted rookie Roman Hemby or ninth-year veteran Dare Ogunbowale as its RB4. Laube and Ogunbowale have combined for just 603 rushing yards over the course of their careers.

Washington bounced around college football for five seasons, playing for the Buffalo Bulls, New Mexico State Aggies and Arkansas Razorbacks. His best season came with the Razorbacks in 2025, in which he ran for a career-high 1,070 yards on 167 carries in 12 games. 

Washington ran for 2,914 yards on 587 carries over the course of his college career. You'd like to see a higher collegiate total. For context, Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson (2023 pick No. 8) ran for 3,410 yards on 539 carries in three seasons for the Texas Longhorns. Jeanty (2025 pick No. 6) ran for 4,769 yards on 750 carries in three seasons for the Boise State Broncos. 

Washington, however, would've benefited from more stable situations. In three seasons with Buffalo, he played for four different running backs coaches and three different head coaches. The lack of coaching steadiness prevented Washington from maximizing his elite speed during his college career. 

During the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, he measured at 6-foot-1, 223 pounds and ran a blistering 4.33 40-yard dash.