The Las Vegas Raiders might have dodged a bullet after running back Ashton Jeanty left practice on Aug. 23 with an injury. On Aug. 23, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter provided an update on the injury.
Schefter reported that Jeanty is believed to have sprained his ankle. Furthermore, the insider reveals that the Silver and Black are still unsure how long the secon-year running back will be out. However, he does reveal that it is not considered a long-term injury, and the organization is breathing a sigh of relief tonight.
The insider also noted that Las Vegas declined to comment on Jeanty’s injury. Ryan McFadden of ESPN initially reported on Aug. 23 that Jeanty left practice early after suffering an apparent knee injury. Moreover, he noted that during the team period, he was diving for a catch and landed awkwardly.
McFadden added to his reporting that Jeanty was helped off the field by trainers and couldn’t put any pressure on his right leg as the entire team took a knee and said a prayer.
Raiders Will Lose Significant Production From RB Position
Despite a challenging rookie season, Jeanty put up respectable numbers for the Raiders. Even with all that going on, Jeanty still recorded a 70.4 overall PFF grade while playing 770 total snaps for the Silver and Black last season.
Jeanty carried the ball 266 times for 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns as he averaged 3.7 yards per attempt on the ground while forcing 61 missed tackles as a runner.
Meanwhile, in the passing game, Jeanty caught 55 passes on 68 targets for 346 receiving yards and five touchdowns. As a result, the Raiders standout recorded over 1,000 yards from scrimmage despite the dysfunction, showing he can play in the league.
Ashton Jeanty on Having Tyler Linderbaum
One reason many are expecting a big season from Jeanty is the arrival of Tyler Linderbaum, whom the Raiders signed in free agency this past offseason.
Linderbaum signed a historic three-year, $81 million contract, which includes $60 million in total guarantees and an average annual salary of $27 million, making him the highest-paid interior offensive lineman in NFL history.
With Linderbaum now leading the offensive line, Jeanty spoke about having the former Baltimore Ravens center help clear running lanes for him, which might now have to wait given his injury.
“The energy he brings every single day, I think it starts with that,” Jeanty said in an Aug. 9 video about Linderbaum. “You could tell he just loves to play football. He’s just a baller, and he comes out and he’s consistent every single day. It’s real easy to run behind him.”
Last season for the Ravens, Linderbaum recorded a 79.8 overall PFF grade. Moreover, the center registered a PFF pass-blocking grade of 63.4 and a run-blocking grade of 83.2.
Linderbaum also allowed 26 total pressures in pass protection, giving up two sacks and one hit to opposing pass rushers. Furthermore, he also received five penalties during the season.
For now, Linderbaum might have to clear running lanes for Mike Washington Jr. until the Raiders have a clear timeline for Jeanty’s return to take advantage of having a new center.
Raiders Receive Insider Update on Ashton Jeanty Injury