It was looked questionable weeks ago, but became apparent in recent days, the Las Vegas Raiders expect starting running back Ashton Jeanty to play Sunday in the Week 1 season opener against Miami Dolphins.
The No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 draft practiced fully all week and he indicated Thursday he feels ready to go. Jeanty didn’t practice until this week after he injured his ankle August 23 in practice. Initially, the team was concerned the injury was serious.
Now, Jeanty is primed to start the season
opener. Expect Jeanty to share some of the running-back load with rookie Mike Washington. The fourth-round pick from Arkansas was a standout in the preseason and in training camp.
Meanwhile, as expected, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be the No. 2 quarterback behind Kirk Cousins. Veteran Aidan O’Connell will be the No. 3. this was expected, but ESPN did reprot recently O’Connell could be the backup.
This is an indication the Raiders feel strongly about where Mendoza is in his development and are confident he can pay if needed. Also, as expected, Jackson Powers-Johnson will start at right guard ahead of Caleb Rogers. Coach Klint Kubiak had said both will play this season.
It appears the only player on Las Vegas’ 53-man roster who won’t play Sunday is superstar tight end Brock Bowers.He is reportedly going to be out 1-2 weeks(that is just an estimate) after having knee surgery this week. Michael Mayer and Ian Thomas will fill the tight end roles. Kubiak would not discuss Bowers’ injury timeline, but he said he will should be back soon.
Thus, the Raiders’ other inactive players Sunday will all be based on coach’s decisions and for not medical reasons.
