Ashton Jeanty, the running back who took a hit during training camp on August 23 with an ankle sprain, is apparently on a comeback path so fast it’s got everyone’s heads spinning. While initial concerns about how bad it was definitely had Las Vegas fans and fantasy players collectively holding their breath, it’s clear things are trending way up. This dude could be back way sooner than anyone expected, and if your fantasy draft board isn’t ready for that, you’re gonna have problems.
No Boot, No Crutches, No Problem?
Remember that ankle sprain diagnosis? Yeah, it sounds like Jeanty is already defying expectations. David J. Chao, a former NFL head doctor known as ProFootballDoc, dropped a post on X recently pointing out Jeanty was seen late last week with no boot, no crutches, and absolutely no limp. That’s huge news! Chao even went so far as to predict Jeanty could be back on the field for Week 1. Now, that’s just one opinion, sure, but it’s an undeniably good sign when an expert is talking about that kind of timeline. Jeanty’s already doing work on the side during team practice this week, moving well, even if he hasn’t hit full practice yet. A quick return really doesn’t seem off the table at all.
GM John Spytek’s “Quicker Than Expected” Take
The positive vibes aren’t just from outside experts, either. Raiders general manager John Spytek spoke to the media early this week, giving a really positive overall update on Jeanty. He wouldn’t lock in a specific return date for in-game action, but he did drop a huge hint: he believes Jeanty could be back “maybe quicker than some people would expect.” Spytek doubled down, saying, “I think he’s in a good spot. We see him every day. He’s working really hard. He’s on the mend, as Klint said. I think that’s one of the things we all like and respect about Ashton is just the maturity he has and the spirit that he has, that it’s hard to knock him down. And I think he attacks everything with a great mindset. And I don’t think that this will be any different for him. I expect him to be back as quick as he can, maybe quicker than some people would expect. When that is, we’ll see. But I think he’s in a good spot, and I think he’ll be ready to go when we get him back out there.”
Your Fantasy Draft Board Just Got Spicy
So, what does all this mean for your fantasy football draft, which, let’s be real, is ramping up right now? It’s a game-changer. With Jeanty’s injury happening weeks before the 2026 NFL season kicks off, and now with all these positive updates, there’s no signal of a lengthy absence. This helps inform that tough decision you’re about to make. Given the very real possibility of a Week 1 return, keeping Ashton Jeanty as a first-round or early second-round pick? Yeah, that just got a whole lot more sensible, depending on your league. Keep your eyes peeled as we get closer to the season opener; this running back’s status is gonna be crucial.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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