Jeanty helped off with apparent right knee injury

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders received a major injury scare Sunday when running back Ashton Jeanty was helped off the practice field after suffering an apparent injury to his right leg.

Jeanty went down during a team period while attempting to catch a low pass from veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The second-year running back landed awkwardly and remained on the ground before trainers helped him leave the field. He was unable to put weight on his right leg.

The incident immediately silenced the Raiders’ practice facility, with teammates gathering and later taking a knee in prayer as Jeanty was helped away.

Injury Initially Raised Serious Concerns

The initial scene created fears that Jeanty could have suffered a significant knee or leg injury. The Raiders did not immediately provide a diagnosis following practice.

However, subsequent reports offered more encouraging news.

ESPN and NFL Network reported that Jeanty is believed to have suffered a sprained ankle, rather than a major knee injury. The injury is not currently considered long-term, although a specific timetable for his return has not been announced.

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak later said Jeanty was “on the mend” while declining to provide additional details about the injury or a potential return date.

Jeanty Expected to Be Key Part of Raiders Offense

The injury is particularly significant because Jeanty is expected to play a central role in Las Vegas’ offense this season.

The Raiders selected Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after his standout college career at Boise State. During his rookie season, he played all 17 games and produced 975 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, along with 55 receptions for 346 yards and five receiving touchdowns.

That gave him 1,321 total yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns in his first NFL season.

Las Vegas is counting on Jeanty to become one of the primary weapons in an offense being reshaped under head coach Klint Kubiak.

Mike Washington Jr. Could See Bigger Role

If Jeanty needs to miss practice or games, rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. could receive a much larger workload.

Washington, a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has impressed during training camp and preseason action. He took first-team running-back repetitions after Jeanty left Sunday’s practice.

The Raiders also have Dylan Laube, Roman Hemby and veteran Dare Ogunbowale available in the backfield.

For now, however, the team appears hopeful that Jeanty’s injury will not keep him out for an extended period.

Raiders Await Jeanty’s Return

The timing of the injury is important with the regular season approaching. Jeanty’s availability for the Raiders’ season opener remains uncertain because the team has not announced a definitive recovery timeline.

The initial images of Jeanty being unable to put weight on his leg sparked fears of a potentially devastating injury. Reports of a sprained ankle have since eased some of those concerns, but the Raiders will likely continue monitoring him closely over the coming days.

For a team expecting Jeanty to be a centerpiece of its offense, his recovery will be one of the biggest storylines heading into the start of the 2026 NFL season.