With the NFL season just weeks away, the Las Vegas Raiders could be bracing for bad news after star running back Ashton Jeanty left practice with an injury, Jeanty left practice with a knee injury after diving for a catch and colliding with cornerback Darien Porter on Sunday, according to The Athletic. After lying on the ground for a few moments, Jeanty was helped off the field, unable to put any weight on his right knee. After Jeanty left the field, the entire team reportedly took a knee in prayer.
ESPN reported that the team had no immediate statement at this time regarding Jeanty’s injury status. His return remains uncertain as he will likely undergo further evaluation in the coming days. First-year head coach Klint Kubiak is expected to make Jeanty the centerpiece of the offense this season alongside tight end Brock Bowers.
They also added depth by drafting Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round to add more versatility. Jeanty and Washington Jr. were expected to form a potential 1-2 punch for the offense, although Jeanty likely would've received the majority of the touches out of the backfield. Kubiak previously deployed one of the league’s top running back duos with the Seattle Seahawks last season that featured Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet.
If Jeanty misses any time due to injury, Washington Jr. is next in line at running back for the Raiders offense. He's currently listed as Las Vegas' second-string running back on its depth chart. Jeanty struggled for good portions of his rookie season after the Raiders took him with the sixth overall pick.
He rushed for 975 yards and only five touchdowns while averaging just 3.7 yards per carry, which ranked 45th in the league. With Jeanty’s injury status up in the air, all eyes shift to the Raiders' Week 1 matchup, where they are set to host the Miami Dolphins.
