Ashton Jeanty Injury Panic: Could the Raiders Star Miss Week 1?
- Football Nation
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated September 2, 2026. Projections are Football Nation editorial projections. Fantasy totals use half PPR scoring unless otherwise stated.
The ankle is improving, but the workload question is just beginning
Ashton Jeanty gave fantasy managers the kind of August scare that can change an entire draft board. The Raiders running back injured his right ankle during practice on August 23, needed help leaving the field and initially could not put weight on the leg. The early diagnosis was encouraging because the injury was believed to be a sprain rather than a fracture or a season threatening problem. The remaining question is the one fantasy managers actually care about: will Jeanty be ready to handle a normal workload against Miami in Week 1?
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said Jeanty was still recovering late last week, but added that Las Vegas was counting on him. That is encouraging language, although it stops well short of promising 18 to 22 touches. Rookie Mike Washington Jr. has handled first team work in Jeanty’s absence and gave the Raiders another reason not to rush their starter. Washington averaged 6.1 yards on eight carries in the preseason finale and looked comfortable in the scheme.
Ashton Jeanty, All Pro Reels, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY SA 4.0 View the original on Wikimedia Commons
What Jeanty did in 2025
Jeanty’s rookie season was productive without being consistently dominant. He carried 266 times for 975 yards and five rushing touchdowns, then added 55 receptions for 346 yards and five more scores. That produced 219.6 half PPR points before any deduction for lost fumbles, or about 12.9 points per game across 17 appearances.
The total was useful, but the weekly path was bumpy. Jeanty averaged only 3.7 yards per carry, finished below 50 rushing yards eight times and scored half of his touchdowns in two games. He gave fantasy managers four elite weeks but also finished outside the top 24 at running back in 10 weeks. The receiving role kept his floor alive when the Raiders could not create running lanes.
Football Nation 2026 projection
If Jeanty avoids a setback, our full season projection is 245 carries for 1,035 yards, 52 receptions for 365 yards and nine total touchdowns. That would place him around 220 half PPR points and make him a solid RB2 with low end RB1 upside.
For Week 1, the safer projection is 12 to 15 touches if he is active. Fantasy managers should start him as an RB2 only after confirming that he practiced during game week. Washington is the priority insurance option. If Jeanty misses the opener or enters it with a strict snap limit, Washington becomes a viable flex play rather than an automatic league winner.
The biggest mistake would be treating “expected to play” as “expected to dominate touches.” Jeanty can be medically cleared and still share the backfield. Watch practice participation, the final injury designation and any Sunday morning report describing his expected workload.
The nightmare scenario fantasy managers must avoid
The danger is not simply an inactive Jeanty. It is a game day clearance followed by a reduced role that leaves him with eight carries while Washington handles the high value work. That outcome can sink a lineup even though the pregame notification says Jeanty is active. Managers with Washington can protect against both an absence and a surprise committee. Managers without him should prioritize a healthy flex option whose workload is already secure.
Bottom line: Hold Jeanty. Do not sell him at an injury discount. Add Washington where possible, and prepare a second Week 1 option until the Raiders show us a full practice.
Sources: NFL injury report | ESPN player statistics
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