Raiders offensive coaches are singing the praise of running back Mike Washington Jr. to a perfect tune
The Las Vegas Raiders will need Mike Washington Jr. big time if Ashton Jeanty is out for any period of time.
The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in an all-too-familiar spot: dealing with drama. This time, though, it’s not self-inflicted. The Raiders lost running back Ashton Jeanty to an injury at practice, and now the conversation shifts to what comes next for the backfield.
While details on the injury remain unclear, it appears to be an ankle injury, after it was initially reported by Adam Schefter as a knee issue. More information should come out in the days ahead, but the bigger picture is already taking shape. However long Jeanty misses, the Raiders need someone to step up. That someone is rookie running back Mike Washington Jr.
Mike Washington was drafted for this moment
Las Vegas drafted Washington in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft for a reason. He was always meant to be Jeanty’s backup. Now, he could have a shot at being the starter in Week 1 as a rookie fourth-round running back.
When you look at what the coaching staff has said about him, there’s real confidence there. Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko put it plainly:
“Mike comes to work and works very hard every day. He asks great questions. He’s on his craft all the time. We push him every day, and he comes out every single day prepared to the best of his ability, and you see that translate.”
The Raiders are going to need Washington, whether that’s for one week, one game, or the whole season. He’s shown in the preseason that he is capable of delivering when called upon.
The preseason tape backs it up
Washington has already flashed on the field this preseason. There was the 33-yard run against the Houston Texans, a play where he made something out of nothing after the offensive line completely collapsed in front of him. That kind of run tells you a lot about a back. When blocking breaks down and the runner still finds a way to create yards, that’s a player with vision and instincts.
Then there was the 53-yard run, a play where the offensive line did their job and blocked correctly, with wide receiver Jack Bech coming over on a perfect block to spring Washington free. Two different types of runs, both showing different elements of what Washington can bring to this offense.
What this means for the Raiders in Week 1
The Raiders drafted Washington to complement Jeanty, but the reality of the NFL is that backups have to be ready at any moment. Washington seems to understand that, and the coaching staff has made it clear they believe he’s prepared for whatever role he’s asked to fill.
Whether Jeanty misses a short stretch or an extended period, the Raiders appear to have faith in Washington. Now, that could be as either the backup or the starter come Week 1.
