Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty in 'good spot,' but Week 1 status remains uncertain

Las Vegas Raiders second-year running back Ashton Jeanty is healing quickly from a sprained right ankle, but the team remains noncommittal about his Week 1 status. 

Jeanty returned to activity on Tuesday but worked off to the side with trainers rather than the team. It's still another positive sign after the Raiders opted not to place him on injured reserve, which would've sidelined him for a minimum of four games. The RB is clearly on the right track, but general manager John Spytek didn't promise he would play in Vegas' season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13 (Fox, 4:25 p.m. ET). 

John Spytek speaks on Ashton Jeanty 

"I think he's in a good spot," Spytek told the media Tuesday. "I expect him to be back as quickly as he can, maybe quicker than people would expect. When that is, we'll see. But I think he's in a good spot, and I think he'll be ready to go when we get him back out there."

Spytek seems to be implying he's not ruling out the possibility Jeanty plays in Week 1. If he can't go, however, the Raiders will lean on rookie RB Mike Washington Jr., who looked promising in preseason. The 122nd pick of the 2026 NFL Draft ran for 168 yards on 23 carries in three games, according to the Raiders' website.