Kubiak mum on details, but Jeanty 'on the mend'

• 

  Ryan McFaddenAug 25, 2026, 04:16 PM ET

  Close

  Ryan McFadden covers the Las Vegas Raiders for ESPN's NFL Nation. Prior to ESPN, McFadden was a Denver Broncos beat reporter for the Denver Post. McFadden also wrote about the Baltimore Ravens and University of Maryland athletics for The Baltimore Sun.

HENDERSON, Nev. -- Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak didn't want to go into any details on running back Ashton Jeanty's injury Tuesday.

When asked about the severity of Jeanty's injury or if the second-year player will begin the season on the injured reserve, Kubiak simply said, "He's on the mend."

Jeanty is believed to have sprained his ankle during Sunday's practice, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jeanty was helped off the field after he landed awkwardly on the turf grass inside the practice facility while diving for a low pass thrown by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

He stayed on the ground before being helped off the field by athletic trainers. As he was being helped off, Jeanty couldn't put pressure on his right leg. His teammates and coaches took a knee and said a prayer after Jeanty exited the field.

"Again, Ashton got hurt in practice, and the whole team took a knee. That says a lot about him being on the mend and counting on him," Kubiak said. "Really excited about getting him back. I'm a huge believer in the power of prayer."

Following Jeanty's injury, Las Vegas has spent the last two days playing on the outdoor practice field. The Raiders would stretch, conduct a 25-minute special teams period and individual drills inside, then move outside for the team period.

Kubiak said it was his call to move practice outside but didn't provide further details on his decision.

With Jeanty sidelined, rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. has taken the majority of the starting reps in practice. The Raiders might have to rely on Washington more than expected if Jeanty misses games during the regular season. The former Arkansas standout has shown that he could be an impactful player in the backfield in Year 1.

He has recorded 15 carries for 119 yards in two preseason games. Washington has averaged 7.9 yards per carry and had a 53-yard run in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals at home.

"[Washington] has done a phenomenal job of growing up really fast," Kubiak said. "... I think he's a guy that understands that we are counting on him, and he needs to get up to speed quickly. He's been mature about that."