Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. was absent during the media viewing portion of Thursday’s practice ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, according to The Athletic’s Sam Warren.
Washington was listed as a limited participant with foot and back injuries during Wednesday’s session. The Raiders haven’t released
Thursday’s injury report at the time of writing — Silver and Black Pride will update this story when they do — so the rookie running back hasn’t officially been declared a non-participant. However, if that is indeed the case, it appears he suffered a setback.
The fourth-round pick has been the second back behind Ashton Jeanty through the first six games this season but had 10 touches for 50 yards from scrimmage last week against the Buffalo Bills, including nine rushes for 43 yards. His role is expected to increase as the Silver and Black figure out their rushing woes, ranking 30th in the NFL for total rushing yards and 31st in yards per attempt this fall. Obviously, that requires Washington to be healthy, though.
Meanwhile, Jeanty, who has also battled injuries this year, wasn’t listed on Wednesday’s report and appears to be a full go. So, if Washington is available, the offense will still have its lead back, barring a significant change in the coming days.
In other injury news, defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway was spotted wearing a red, non-contact jersey on Thursday, per Warren. Hemingway suffered a concussion against the New England Patriots two weeks ago and missed last Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. Wearing the red jersey suggests he’s limited in practice and one step closer to clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Warren also posted a video of tight end Brock Bowers warming up before Thursday’s practice. Bowers was limited Wednesday with hamstring and calf injuries, which is different from the knee injury that caused him to miss Weeks 1 and 2. That being said, he’s been limited on Wednesdays every week since returning to action.
Silver and Black Pride will update this story when the full injury report releases later today.
