NFL

Raiders receive injury boost as Ashton Jeanty returns to practice

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 10, 2026, 03:16 IST

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty has returned to training following a two-week ankle injury, raising hopes for his participation in Sunday's season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Raiders receive injury boost as Ashton Jeanty returns to practice

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty has returned to the practice field, marking a significant step in his recovery ahead of the team's season opener against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. The second-year playmaker participated in Wednesday's session, ending a two-week absence that began when he sustained an ankle injury during training camp on August 23.

Jeanty’s return provides a timely lift for the Raiders' coaching staff, who have been managing his rehabilitation since he was forced off the field after landing awkwardly while attempting to catch a low pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins. While head coach Klint Kubiak remained cautious regarding a specific timeline for much of the recovery period, recent comments from both Kubiak and general manager John Spytek had suggested an increasing level of optimism regarding Jeanty’s availability for the Week 1 clash.

Bolstering the Raiders' backfield options

The potential availability of Jeanty is particularly important given the current state of the Raiders' offensive roster. Tight end Brock Bowers is expected to be sidelined for at least one or two games following a meniscus trim procedure performed on Tuesday, leaving the team looking for reliable production elsewhere.

The Raiders have made it a priority to establish a more potent rushing attack this season, with plans to utilize a tandem approach in the backfield. The team is looking to pair Jeanty with rookie Mike Washington Jr., who impressed during the preseason and training camp. Washington, a fourth-round draft selection, showcased his potential by recording 168 rushing yards on 23 carries across three preseason appearances, maintaining an average of 7.3 yards per attempt and demonstrating an ability to break off explosive plays.

Building on a promising rookie campaign

Jeanty enters the season looking to build upon a productive debut year, during which he managed 1,321 yards from scrimmage, including 975 rushing yards, despite facing challenges with inconsistent offensive line play. If he is cleared to suit up against Miami, his presence will be central to the team's strategy to lean on the ground game.

With the season opener fast approaching, the coaching staff will continue to monitor Jeanty's progress throughout the remainder of the week. His return to the practice facility serves as the most positive development yet for a Raiders offense looking to start the campaign on a strong note against the Dolphins.