The Las Vegas Raiders appear to have dodged a serious injury issue after running back Ashton Jeanty was forced out of practice.
Jeanty, who was taken by Las Vegas with the sixth overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft, is said to have landed awkwardly after diving to catch a pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins.
According to reports, the 22-year-old remained on the ground for some time and was unable to put any pressure on his right leg as he was helped from the field. The rest of the team, meanwhile, took a knee and said a prayer.
Later on Sunday night, however, ESPN claimed Jeanty is believed to have sprained his ankle. And though it remains unclear how long he will be sidelined, it is not thought to be a serious injury.
The Raiders – who are owned in part by Tom Brady – kick off the new NFL season against the Miami Dolphins on September 13.
Former Boise State star Jeanty is the starter among a Las Vegas running back room that also includes rookie Mike Washington Jr., Dylan Laube, undrafted rookie Roman Hemby and Dare Ogunbowale.
Las Vegas Raiders star Ashton Jeanty was forced out of practice with an apparent injury
Jeanty is said to have landed awkwardly after diving to make a catch from a Kirk Cousins pass
Had Jeanty suffered a long-term injury, it would have represented a huge blow to the Raiders offense as they look to rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak.
During his rookie season in the NFL, the 22-year-old started 17 games, rushing for 975 yards, while amassing five rushing touchdowns and five receiving touchdowns.
No other Raiders player scored a rushing touchdown or rushed for more than 109 yards.
Jeanty’s injury scare came just a day after cornerback Chigozie Anusiem was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
During Thursday’s preseason game against the Houston Texans, Anusiem had to be carted off the field after injuring his knee.
The second-year cornerback out of Colorado State was looking to defend a Texans punt return when he was dragged down from behind.
