Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty went down with an injury at the team’s practice on Sunday, with no solid details yet emerging on the severity or how much time he could miss.
But one worrying detail has emerged in the report on Jeanty’s injury that could reveal the seriousness of the injury. The second-year running back is expected to take on a major role under new head coach Klint Kubiak, but his future could now be in doubt.
Ashton Jeanty’s Teammates May Fear Serious Injury
As ESPN’s Ryan McFadden reported, Jeanty was hurt on a non-contact play during practice.
“During the team period, Jeanty ran a route and dove for the football, which was thrown low by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Jeanty landed awkwardly on the turf grass inside the practice facility and stayed on the ground before being helped off the field by athletic trainers,” McFadden reported.
McFadden added that Jeanty’s teammates took the injury seriously, adding what could be a worrying detail for the Raiders.
“As he was being helped off, Jeanty couldn’t put pressure on his right leg,” McFadden wrote. “His teammates took a knee and said a prayer after Jeanty exited the field.”
The team had not yet announced any details on Jeanty’s injury, and there was no video during that portion of practice.
Raiders Find Immediate Replacement After Ashton Jeanty Injury
McFadden reported that the Raiders moved rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. to the first team for the remainder of Sunday’s practice. He was already alternating starting reps with Jeanty before the injury, McFadden added, but could take on a bigger role now.
Washington has shined in training camp and the preseason, rushing for a game-high 56 yards in the team’s win over the Houston Texans on Thursday. Washington also had a 53-yard run in the Raiders’ first preseason game.
“I’ve just been focused on the present, being where my feet are,” Washington said, via the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I’m trying not to pay attention to what the media is saying or anything like that. 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. Really just using each and every opportunity to help the team win.”
Kubiak would say exactly how the carries would split between Washington and Jeanty, but said after Thursday’s game that the rookie was on his way to a significant role.
“Guys are earning roles,” Kubiak said. “We’re gathering information. He’s a young guy, so we’re learning more about him. 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 great job running the ball. We have to keep getting him better in all facets of his game.”
Worrying Detail Emerges in Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty Injury Report