Mike Washington Jr. 2026 Fantasy Football Outlook: Set For Increased Role if Jeanty Misses Time With Knee Injury 7mLink copied!

Aug 23, 2026, 7:15 PM ET

Talent-wise, Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. is one of the most talented backs from the 2026 draft class. Washington posted a perfect Relative Athletic Score after the 223-pound back ran a 4.33 40-time and sported a 39" vertical. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak hinted all along that they wanted a second running back in Las Vegas to push Ashton Jeanty and to help alleviate some of the workload. Considering the Raiders had one of the worst offensive lines last season, they decided to add another option in the backfield. How bad were the Raiders' offensive line woes? Jeanty had 975 rushing yards after contact, which would end up being 65% of his total rushing yardage during his rookie season. While all the coach talk suggests that Washington has standalone value as a possible flex option for fantasy managers, Washington will not be a league winner unless Jeanty misses significant time. While Washington did churn out 1,070 rushing yards at Arkansas last season, he also caught 28 passes for 226 receiving yards, which shouldn't be lost here. Last season, when Kirk Cousins was under center, his 11.2% check-down rate was the fifth-highest. Considering the state of the Raiders' wide receiver room, checking down the ball to Washington as a change-of-pace option could make the Raiders' fifth-worst passing attack from a season ago look better on paper. Washington is expected to be the Raiders' No. 2 back behind Jeanty. The 22-year-old is currently ranked 201st overall at RotoBaller, which aligns with his Sleeper ADP of 191 in redraft leagues for upcoming fantasy football drafts. Update 8/23/26:  Jeanty exited Sunday's practice early after diving for a catch and landing awkwardly. He could not put any pressure on his leg while being helped off the field. The severity of Jeanty's injury is unclear at the moment. If Jeanty were to miss any time, Washington would be set for an increased role as the Raiders' No. 1 back.--Matt Donnelly