Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. resides in an almost-perfect position in his first NFL season. With cemented starter Ashton Jeanty commanding the majority of the touches. Fresh off a 53-yard burst against the Arizona Cardinals in the preseason opener, the former Arkansas back thrived against the Houston Texans.
With 56 yards on nine carries, including a 33-yard gallop, Washington keyed the Raiders’ comeback 22-20 win against Houston. Washington’s acceleration explodes through the line. Somewhere along the way, head coach Klint Kubiak may have built himself an elite running game, provided Washington’s preseason translates to the game that counts. After the game, Washington told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
“I’ve just been focused on the present, being where my feet are… I’m just going play by play and day by day. I’m just trying to do everything I can to be on the field and help the team win.”
While the media hype surrounding the rookie continues to escalate, he seems to remain grounded and is focused on earning more playing time.
Mike Washington Jr. in his first 2 games:
53-yard run
33-yard run (tonight)
pic.twitter.com/IxDAjw82tn— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 21, 2026
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Klint Kubiak’s Challenge: Beyond the Ball Carrier Role
Jeanty will undoubtedly be the primary ball carrier for the Raiders. Yet Kubiak thinks that, while Washington can run the ball, he still needs to improve in other areas.
“Guys are earning roles… But when guys are having success, they carve out roles, and that’s where he’s headed. But I’ll say it again. Mike’s doing a fantastic job running the ball. We have to keep getting him better in all facets of his game.”
The coach’s subtle warning for Washington is that the Raiders’ running backs will not be one-dimensional. Instead, Washington will need to amp up his effort in pass protection and receiving. Picking up the blitz allows the throw to be made and grants the quarterback the time and space to be productive.
The rookie Mike Washington Jr. TAKES OFF for 53 yards 😤
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— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2026
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Growing Pains
In all honesty, Washington is still a rookie. Last night, the pick-6 that fellow rookie Fernando Mendoza threw happened in part because of a poorly run route. As mentioned, Kubiak will be drilling that into his rushers constantly. Despite the situation, backup Aidan O’Connell still found praise for himself.
“It’s been great to see him develop in the pass game and the run game… Coming in as a rookie and as a running back, your protections, pass game, and run game—you kind of have to know everything. So to see him grow and mature in that space has been awesome.”
Washington will need to tighten up those timing-based routes that rely on him presenting a target. Whoever the Raiders quarterback is will catch him in strife. Yet, Kubiak still believes that Washington is on the right path.
FERNANDO MENDOZA THROWS A PICK SIX 😳
Welcome to the NFL.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/3kHqZrcGhk
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 21, 2026
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“I see a very talented young man with a bright future ahead of him that is extremely humble and hard-working… He has plenty he needs to improve on, and he knows that.”
Will Washington take over the No. 2 running back job behind Ashton Jeanty before Week 1? Pass protection or playmaking: what matters more right now to the Raiders?
Raiders Rookie RB Mike Washington Jr. Brings Explosion with Room to Improve