Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty got a career-low two touches for just nine yards in last Sunday’s win against the New York Jets, and ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports the team hopes he sees that as a serious “wake-up call.” This isn’t just a minor blip for the second-year back. Mike Washington Jr., his backfield mate, absolutely exploded in Week 8 with 25 carries for 83 yards, making it crystal clear who the Raiders might lean on if Jeanty doesn’t step it up.
Is Mike Washington Jr. Taking Over the Backfield?
It sounds like the Raiders aren’t messing around. Graziano reported that if Jeanty doesn’t respond with some serious changes, the team is “content to distribute the carries in Washington’s favor moving forward.” Why? Because Washington Jr. “offers a more explosive element in the run game right now.” That’s a pretty damning assessment of a guy who was the No. 6 pick in the 2025 draft. Head coach Klint Kubiak, who was hired *after* Jeanty was drafted, seems to be flexing some serious roster influence here. Kubiak told reporters it was his call to give Washington more touches against the Jets, completely owning the decision. He also made it clear Jeanty’s role reduction wasn’t a punishment for his pregame comments about the Jets’ run defense. Kubiak said Jeanty is still going to be a “huge part” of their run game and that both backs will contribute to their rushing and passing success. But those words ring a little hollow when one guy gets two touches and the other gets twenty-five.
Jeanty’s Early Season Struggles and What’s Next
Jeanty did suffer a sprained ankle in late August, but he still managed a season-high 23 carries in Week 1. According to Graziano, the Raiders felt he had some limitations from that injury early on, but now he’s “at a point where they want to see him play better.” Before last weekend’s disaster against the Jets, Jeanty had put up 106 carries for 328 yards and a touchdown. He’d also been a force in the passing game, hauling in 34 receptions, including three touchdown catches, and leading all running backs with 312 receiving yards. He even played a key role in the passing game again during Sunday’s win in New York, which just makes his vanishing act in the run game even more glaring.
The Raiders are now getting ready for a brutal matchup this Sunday, heading to Santa Clara to face the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners’ run defense is one of the most effective in the entire NFL this season. Even if Jeanty does see more touches this weekend, Kubiak has hinted he’s seriously considering splitting the backfield more evenly between Jeanty and Washington when that Week 9 game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET. Looks like the heat is on for Jeanty to prove he’s still the guy, or he might just be watching more of Washington Jr.’s “explosive element” from the sidelines.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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