Mike Washington Jr. Downgraded to DNP: Ashton Jeanty Week 7 Fantasy Impact
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. was downgraded from limited participation Wednesday to no practice Thursday because of foot and back injuries. The change puts his Week 7 availability in doubt and creates a potentially important workload shift for Ashton Jeanty ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Washington has not been ruled out. Friday’s practice report and game designation will determine whether the downgrade was a one-day precaution or a sign that Las Vegas may be without its No. 2 running back. Fantasy managers should treat this as a developing situation rather than an automatic inactive.
Mike Washington Jr. injury: what changed
Wednesday: Limited participation with foot and back designations.
Thursday: Did not participate.
Season production: 34 carries for 168 yards and one touchdown, plus three catches for 11 yards.
Week 6 role: A team-high 43 rushing yards on nine carries against Buffalo.
Depth chart: Washington is listed second behind Ashton Jeanty; Dylan Laube is third.
The timing is notable because Washington has been Las Vegas’ more efficient pure rusher through six games. His 4.9 yards per carry comfortably exceeds Jeanty’s 3.2, and the rookie’s 168 rushing yards rank second on the team. Washington is not taking over the backfield, but he has supplied a change-of-pace element and legitimate early-down relief.
Ashton Jeanty fantasy impact
Jeanty remains the clear starter regardless of Washington’s status. He has 98 carries for 313 yards and one rushing touchdown, plus 26 receptions for 251 yards and two receiving scores. That receiving role already gives Jeanty a strong fantasy floor even when rushing efficiency fluctuates.
If Washington is inactive, Jeanty’s touch projection should rise. The most likely gain is a handful of carries rather than a complete monopoly, because Las Vegas can still use Laube and fullback Connor Heyward to protect Jeanty from an unsustainable snap load. Still, there would be fewer reasons to remove Jeanty on ordinary early downs or during a close fourth quarter.
That makes Jeanty a stronger volume-based RB1 for Week 7, but not necessarily a more efficient play. The Rams have allowed 762 rushing yards on 175 attempts through six games—4.4 yards per carry—and four rushing touchdowns. Los Angeles has been vulnerable enough to support volume, yet the Raiders cannot assume easy rushing lanes after Jeanty averaged only 3.2 yards per carry over the opening six games.
Who backs up Jeanty if Washington sits?
The official depth chart lists Dylan Laube third at running back. Laube has five carries for nine yards and four receptions for 15 yards this season, so his NFL workload is too small to support a confident fantasy projection. He would become the logical direct backup, but he would remain a deep-league handcuff rather than a normal starting option.
Heyward can handle specialized backfield work, while Las Vegas could also lean more heavily on short throws to Jeanty. Jeanty’s 26 catches rank behind only Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer on the team, showing that the offense already trusts him in the passing game.
Bowers’ move from limited Wednesday to full participation Thursday is another positive for the Raiders’ skill group. A healthier Bowers can help keep the offense on schedule and create lighter boxes, but it does not replace the pass-protection and rotational snaps Washington normally provides.
Fantasy lineup plan
Ashton Jeanty: Start as an RB1. Washington’s absence would improve Jeanty’s volume ceiling, though efficiency remains matchup-dependent.
Mike Washington Jr.: Keep benched in standard leagues. He needs a Friday rebound and active status before he can be considered even as a desperation flex.
Dylan Laube: Add only in deep formats if Washington is ruled out; he is insurance, not a projected starter.
Kirk Cousins and Raiders pass catchers: A thinner backfield could slightly increase short passing volume, especially if Las Vegas falls behind.
What to watch Friday and Sunday
The best outcome for Washington would be a return to full practice with no game designation. A limited session and questionable tag would leave him as a risky bench stash. Another DNP—or an out designation—would make Laube the likely No. 2 and increase Jeanty’s projected touches.
The Raiders host the Rams at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, October 25, at 1:25 p.m. Pacific time, which is 3:25 p.m. Central. The game will air on FOX. The final inactive list, released about 90 minutes before kickoff, is the last reliable checkpoint for fantasy managers.
Why this matters beyond fantasy
Las Vegas enters Week 7 at 3-3 after a three-game slide, while Los Angeles is 2-4. Washington’s availability affects more than the backup carry count: it changes how often Jeanty can rest, who handles pass protection, and whether the Raiders can maintain their preferred offensive balance if the game remains close.
Washington led the Raiders in rushing yardage last week, and his Thursday downgrade makes Friday’s injury report one of the team’s most meaningful remaining personnel updates.
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