John Spytek gives some insight on Ashton Jeanty’s injury that has to have fans finally wiping their sweat from their brow
The Las Vegas Raiders have to be feeling good about Ashton Jeanty’s injury after John Spytek spoke on Tuesday.
The Las Vegas Raiders have been going through their practices the last week with the idea that Ashton Jeanty could miss Week 1 due to an ankle injury. And that could still be the case. But now, fans have to be feeling a lot better after what John Spytek said.
“I expect him to be back as quickly as he can, maybe quicker than some people would expect. When that is, we’ll see,” the Raiders general manager told reporters on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Jeanty was at practice. That’s a difference compared to last week, when he wasn’t seen at all. Now, he wasn’t practicing with the team. However, in the practices following his injury, he wasn’t even outside. On Tuesday, he was working on the side with trainers and such. So, that’s great news for Week 1. However, that doesn’t mean he will play. It doesn’t mean he won’t, either. But it sounds like the team isn’t sweating it. And if they’re not stressing about the injury, fans shouldn’t be either. Not to mention, the Raiders have Mike Washington.
Mike Washington can be the starter in Week 1
The Raiders drafted Washington in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, which was considered a steal. Before the draft, he was projected as a second- or third-round pick. His strong NFL Combine performance—measuring 6’1, 220 pounds, and running a 4.3-second 40-yard dash—boosted his stock.
Fans have compared him to former Raiders running back Darren McFadden, noting similarities in their running styles. Washington has also performed well in the preseason, showing he’s worth the “steal” tag. On 15 carries, he has 119 rushing yards (first among rookies) and 106 yards after contact (first among rookies).
And, he’s had the explosive plays. He’s got a 53-yard run, one that was nicely set up by the offensive line and a key block from wide receiver Jack Bech. A 33-yard run against the Houston Texans where he created something out of nothing, running into what looked like a demolished offensive line before finding his way out of the pile
That 33-yard run against Houston is the kind of play the Raiders need from their running back. Washington fits well in the wide zone run scheme that offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak wants to run, and he can handle between-the-tackles work fairly well, too. Those two traits together make him a viable option, not just a change-of-pace back filling in. Now, does that mean the Raiders would be fine if Washington was the starter for the entire season? I’m not sure. And really, I’d rather not find out.
