For those hoping to get concrete information on the injury status of Las Vegas Raiders’ starting tailback Ashton Jeanty, you’re out of luck.
In his first interview since Jeanty went down at practice Sunday afternoon, Raiders coach Klint Kubiak declined get into details of Jeanty’s status. He said he would not discuss injuries and only stated that Jeanty “is on the mend.”
Earlier Tuesday, NFL Media reported that the Raiders believe Jeanty’s ankle injury is “more low than high” and they are unsure if
he will be ready for Week 1 at home against the Miami Dolphins in 19 days. The report stated that the Raiders don’t believe the injury will be long term.
There was initial concern that the injury was more serious. Jeanty had to be helped off the field and he couldn’t put weight on his right leg. The entire team took a knee and prayed in silence.
Rookie Mike Washington has been working with the first-team offense with Jeanty out. Kubiak said he thinks the rookie understands the team is counting on him.
Second-year wide receiver Dont’e Thornton continued to be out.
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza did get some reps with the first-team offense, but Kirk Cousins took most of the first-team reps. Kubiak still declined to name his starter, even though all signs point to Cousins playing Week 1.
Kubiak indicated guards Jackson Powers-Johnson and Caleb Rogers will both play Thursday night in the preseason finale as their battle for a starting job continues.
In another strong indication that veteran Matt Gay will win the kicking job, Las Vegas special teams coach Joe DeCamillis said undrafted rookie Kansei Matsuzawa has a chance to be on an NFL roster “later down the road.” DeCamillis said Matsuzawa’s practices have been better than his preseason game performances. If he is cut, as expected, Matsuzawa could be a candidate for the practice squad.
