Optimism about Ashton Jeanty's Week 1 status grows after update

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Optimism about Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty's Week 1 status grows after Klint Kubiak's update

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Sep 2, 2026 3:21 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty is recovering from a right ankle sprain, but don't rule out the possibility he plays Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins (Fox, 4:25 p.m. ET).

Jeanty returned to practice on Tuesday, working to the side with trainers. Afterward, general manager John Spytek said the RB is in a "good spot." Rookie head coach Klint Kubiak echoed that sentiment on Wednesday.

Klint Kubiak seems optimistic about RB Ashton Jeanty playing in Week 1

Asked if Jeanty could still play in Week 1 against Miami, Kubiak said "yes" while grinning, via Levi Edwards of the team website.

Expect the Raiders to still take things slowly with Jeanty. He didn't practice on Wednesday.

Klint Kubiak was asked if he was optimistic on Ashton Jeanty being able to play Week 1 vs. Miami Dolphins.

His answer: “Yes,” with a sly grin.#Raiders
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) September 2, 2026

Even so, hearing Jeanty could suit up in the home game against the Dolphins is a positive turn for the Raiders. When he initially suffered the injury, it appeared much more severe than an ankle sprain. The RB couldn't put any weight on his leg after landing awkwardly while diving for a pass during a practice on Aug. 23. Trainers helped him exit.

The Raiders not placing Jeanty on injured reserve — which would've forced him to miss a minimum of four games — is another good sign regarding his Week 1 availability.

If Jeanty's not ready to go in time for Week 1, the Raiders will turn to rookie RB Mike Washington Jr., a former Arkansas Razorbacks standout. Washington (pick No. 122 of the 2026 NFL Draft) looked dynamic in preseason, running for 168 yards on 23 carries.

Mike Washington Jr. breaks off a long run in consecutive preseason games pic.twitter.com/ishDUcYFsz
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) August 21, 2026

Jeanty (975 rushing yards in 2025, No. 18 in NFL) may not play in Week 1, but it appears the No. 6 pick of the 2025 draft will be available for most of the season, good news for the Raiders. He and Washington could become a one-two punch, like RBs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet were when Kubiak served as Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator in 2025. Raiders starting quarterback Kirk Cousins would love that.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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