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Raiders Expand Ashton Jeanty’s Role After 975-Yard Rookie

5/23/2026

Summary

Kubiak Expands Jeanty’s Role

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced he will expand running back Ashton Jeanty’s role for the 2026 season.
Jeanty logged 266 rushes for 975 yards and caught 55 passes for 346 yards as a rookie.
He participated in 78 percent of the Raiders’ offensive snaps last season, close to 49ers back Christian McCaffrey’s 83 percent.
Kubiak made the remarks at the start of OTAs after the Raiders selected defensive back Mike Washington Jr.

Summary

Kubiak Pressures

Coach Klint Kubiak said he will pressure rookie running back Ashton Jeanty during OTAs and training camp.
Kubiak believes heightened competition could unlock Jeanty's potential after an uneven rookie season that has dampened early hype.
Jeanty logged 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries at Boise State, prompting the Las Vegas Raiders to pick him sixth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft despite analysts doubting his Mountain West production.

Summary

Bonsignore Pushes Jeanty

Vinny Bonsignore says the Raiders must maximize Jeanty’s playtime to justify his high draft slot and salary.
He notes running backs receive a larger payroll share than quarterbacks, defensive ends, or tackles.
Bonsignore predicts Jeanty will handle 75-80 percent of snaps, with Washington serving as a situational backup.
Jeanty logged 78 percent snap usage last season and is studying film of Christian McCaffrey and Kenneth Walker III to boost his value.

History

Historical Context

After the NFL added the Cleveland Browns in 1999, teams began valuing rookies who could produce immediately. The Colts’ 2020 rookie Jonathan Taylor rushed for 1,169 yards, earning All-Rookie honors and surpassing franchise records. That precedent of heavy first-year workloads informs the Raiders’ current plan to expand rookie Ashton Jeanty’s role.

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Kubiak Expands Jeanty’s Role

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak announced he will expand running back Ashton Jeanty’s role for the 2026 season.
Jeanty logged 266 rushes for 975 yards and caught 55 passes for 346 yards as a rookie.
He participated in 78 percent of the Raiders’ offensive snaps last season, close to 49ers back Christian McCaffrey’s 83 percent.
Kubiak made the remarks at the start of OTAs after the Raiders selected defensive back Mike Washington Jr.

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