Let's make one thing clear, in case it gets lost in translation. Klint Kubiak's No. 1 responsibility as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders is putting them in the best possible position to win. He did his job on Sunday with the Raiders beating the New York Jets in a 38-33 shootout. But he certainly knew that the Raiders' usage of Ashton Jeanty, or lack thereof, would draw a lot of attention.
The Raiders' win made it easier for him to clarify what happened as he faced the music.
With Jeanty getting just five touches for 73 yards from scrimmage, Kubiak explained why the Raiders chose to feature Mike Washington Jr. more. It had nothing to do with any injuries or with Jeanty giving the Jets some bulletin-board material before the game. The logic was
simple: Kubiak's Raiders think Jeanty has been pretty underwhelming so far this year and that Washington gives their offense a better chance to thrive. So, while the Raiders technically didn't bench Jeanty, they turned him into a complementary player for a good reason.
Honestly, the numbers back up that bold assessment.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said Mike Washington Jr.’s featured role at running back was “my call” and noted Ashton Jeanty is “still going to be a big part of our team.”
— Sam Gordon (@BySamGordon) November 1, 2026
Asked Kubiak if Jeanty’s limited workload had anything to do with his mid-week comments in the media.… pic.twitter.com/rkzCdWdsbg
Jeanty hasn't rushed for at least 100 yards in a game since Week 1. Excluding the Jets game, he has six games with fewer than 60 rushing yards and has averaged a paltry 3.1 yards per carry. That is terrible and certainly not worthy of being a difference-making running back at the highest level of football. Far from it, in fact. Kubiak made the right call to pull Jeanty's starting duties and give Washington the lion's share of touches. Washington backed that faith up with 25 carries for 83 yards. Given a greater chance to build more rhythm, I would expect Washington to produce even better moving forward.
In all fairness to Jeanty, he was a good sport about his reduced role:
#Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty said it was “communicated” to him before the game that he would get fewer carries.
— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) November 1, 2026
“We won. It doesn't matter how I feel about how [many] times I get the ball. Whatever it takes for the team to win, I just want to win. That's all.”
Obviously, Jeanty isn't done with the Raiders. But as Kubiak said, he probably doesn't give their offense the best chance to win. It's hard to disagree after seeing how the Raiders' offense played on Sunday.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Klint Kubiak revealed why Ashton Jeanty was a non-factor against the Jets
