Full Breakdown
Ashton Jeanty cleared to play as Raiders open season vs. Dolphins
By Drooid · · How we work
Injury and Recovery Update
The Las Vegas Raiders’ second-year running back suffered an ankle injury during a practice in late August. After two weeks of rehabilitation, Jeanty returned to full-team drills on Wednesday and again on Thursday, prompting the team to label him “ready” for the Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Background & Context
Jeanty was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and finished his rookie campaign with 975 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 266 carries (3.7 yards per attempt). He also added 55 receptions for 346 yards and five receiving scores. The Raiders’ offense struggled in 2025, ranking last in scoring, and entered the 2026 season under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak, a former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator.
Data & Statistics
- Rushing: 975 yards, 5 TDs, 266 carries (3.7 yd/att)
- Receiving: 55 catches, 346 yards, 5 TDs
- Draft position: 6th overall, 2025 NFL Draft
- College accolade: Heisman Trophy runner-up (2024)
These figures illustrate Jeanty’s dual-threat capability, which the Raiders hope to leverage in 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Klint Kubiak announced that Jeanty would practice on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, marking his first on-field activity since the ankle setback. Kubiak emphasized that the practice would clarify Jeanty’s workload for the season opener. The organization’s front office, as reported by The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, expressed optimism that Jeanty will be a “difference-maker” and a central piece of Kubiak’s offense, especially given the team’s thin receiver group.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Any time away from the game, it's tough,” — Ashton Jeanty
- “Nerve-wracking first going down, but when I popped up I had a sigh of relief,” — Ashton Jeanty
- “It's been offense versus defense, that gets old,” — Ashton Jeanty
- “New head coach Klint Kubiak knows he’ll need to rely on his best skill players, Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers, because they have a thin receiver group,” — The Athletic’s Jeff Howe
Why It Matters
Jeanty’s availability resolves the Raiders’ most pressing backfield concern heading into Week 1. His after-contact production—nearly 87 % of his 975 yards came after contact—suggests he can generate yards even with the Raiders’ historically porous offensive line. The emergence of rookie Mike Washington Jr., who posted 168 yards on 23 preseason carries, provides a complementary skill set, but analysts expect Jeanty to retain the primary bell-cow role.
From a fantasy perspective, Jeanty entered the season ranked 11th among running backs in PPR formats by a consensus of 177 experts, reinforcing his status as a weekly starter in standard leagues.
What’s Next
The Raiders host the Miami Dolphins in their season opener at Allegiant Stadium. Jeanty is slated to receive the bulk of the carries, though the coaching staff may manage his snap count to ensure the ankle remains healthy. The outcome of this game will set the tone for Kubiak’s offensive scheme and the Raiders’ pursuit of a playoff berth in the AFC West.
