Talk about a gut punch. The Las Vegas Raiders just got rocked with a devastating blow after star running back Ashton Jeanty went down with a knee injury during Sunday’s practice.
A Gutting Blow For Vegas
ESPN’s Ryan McFadden reported the entire team took a knee and prayed over Jeanty, and honestly, when the whole squad does that, you know it’s not just some minor ding. The second-year back reportedly dove for a catch and suffered a knee injury. He needed two trainers to help him off the field, completely unable to put any weight on that right leg. This is a massive problem for Vegas, especially since they just drafted QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall. Jeanty had a tough rookie season, but the buzz was all about him bouncing back strong behind a revamped offensive line. Now? We’re all left hanging, forced to speculate: Is this a season-ender that completely upends their offensive plans? Or just a nightmare moment that’s a minor setback? The uncertainty alone is brutal for #RaiderNation.
Who Even Totes the Rock Now?
Regardless of how long Jeanty is out, one thing’s crystal clear: the Raiders’ running back depth is absolutely bone-dry without him. We’re talking Sahara Desert dry. If he misses even a single game, who’s even gonna tote the rock for Fernando Mendoza?
First up, you’ve got Mike Washington Jr., a rookie out of Arkansas they snagged in the fourth round. This guy put up monster numbers his senior year: 1,070 yards and 8 TDs on just 67 carries! He’s a small, speedy back, not unlike Jeanty, and he’s shown some promise in preseason. If Jeanty is down for the season, this is the name fantasy footballers will be scrambling to learn, and fast.
Then there’s Dylan Laube, a 200-pound bruiser. We mainly know him from special teams, but as an actual running back? He’s got a grand total of 9 yards across his two-year career. He’s more of a fullback type who can pass protect.
And don’t forget Roman Hemby, an undrafted free agent who played college ball with Mendoza! He ran for 60 yards in Indiana’s win over Miami in the 2026 College Football National Championship. He’s also shown some promise in preseason. Could his old teammate Mendoza vouch for him if Jeanty is forced to the IR list?
You can make a case for any of these guys, but this slim list just screams it: the Raiders need more depth, plain and simple. Even if Jeanty makes a miraculous recovery, Las Vegas desperately needs an insurance policy. Without it, their season is going to feel like walking on thin ice.
This injury just threw a massive, ugly wrench into what was supposed to be a bounce-back year for Jeanty and a fresh start for the Raiders with Mendoza under center. The team’s gotta figure out this running back situation ASAP because the cupboard is bare. Without that insurance policy, their season is gonna feel a whole lot more precarious. You know it. Keep an eye on those waiver wires, folks, because the Raiders are in trouble and everyone knows it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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