Scoring Zone's Take
Ashton Jeanty's sprained ankle is the only development here worth acting on, and even that comes with real uncertainty — one source pegs confidence at just 50%, the other at 80%, with no clear return timeline in either. Treat this as a moderate yellow flag rather than a crisis heading into your draft. Jeanty was drafted as Las Vegas's clear lead back and presumptive early-down/passing-game centerpiece, so any missed practice time in August is worth monitoring, but a sprain without a defined recovery window doesn't automatically threaten his Week 1 status.
For draft prep, don't panic-drop Jeanty down your board, but do build in a small discount versus where he'd otherwise go given his rookie pedigree and workload projection. If you're picking in the range where he's typically being taken, it's reasonable to let one or two picks pass while news firms up, especially if you have alternatives at a similar ADP. Monitor camp reports closely over the next week or two — a return to full practice would neutralize this concern entirely, while any setback or IR/PUP chatter would be a bigger red flag.
The other names here — Dylan Laube, Dare Ogunbowale, Roman Hemby, Connor Heyward, Mike Washington Jr., and Patrick Gurd — are only relevant as the backfield depth that stands to benefit if Jeanty's absence extends. None of them carry standalone fantasy value in normal circumstances, but if you're deep in Raiders handcuff considerations, Laube is the name to watch given his college pedigree as a pass-catching back, though nothing in this report confirms a snap-share shift yet. Confidence on all of this remains moderate at best — revisit before your draft.
Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty believed to have sprained ankle
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty suffered what is believed to be a sprained ankle at practice, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reported Sunday night.
It's not considered to be a long-term injury, but the timeline for his return is unknown, Schefter and Rapoport reported.
Upon his exit from practice, the second-year back did not put weight on his right leg as he was helped off the field by trainers. The Raiders team subsequently took a knee in prayer. It would seem the prayers have been answered.
The injury occurred when Jeanty dove for a pass and landed awkwardly, per multiple reports.
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Jeanty, 22, was the No. 6 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft and had 1,321 scrimmage yards (975 rushing) and 10 scrimmage touchdowns (five apiece rushing and receiving) during his rookie season.
Jeanty, along with the majority of Las Vegas' starters, did not play in the team's Week 2 preseason win on Thursday over the Houston Texans.
Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. has impressed so far in two preseason games and would likely be thrust into the lead role if Jeanty is forced to miss any games in the regular season. The Raiders roster also features tailbacks Dylan Laube and Roman Hemby, along with veteran Dare Ogunbowale, and fullbacks Connor Heyward and Patrick Gurd.
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· by Grant Gordon
· Aug 23, 2026
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