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Mike Washington Jr. Limited With Foot, Back Injuries on Wednesday
Las Vegas Raiders rookie fourth-round running back Mike Washington Jr. (foot, back) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday due to foot and back injuries, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden. Washington could now be questionable for the team's Week 7 home game against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday after being listed on the injury report for the first time this year. Meanwhile, starting RB Ashton Jeanty is not on the injury report at all after dealing with a nagging ankle/foot injury in previous weeks. The 23-year-old from Arkansas played a season-high 34.8% of the offensive snaps in Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills and had a season-high-tying nine carries for 43 yards while catching his only target for seven yards. The odds are that Washington will be available this weekend after being limited on Wednesday, and if he is, he will continue to play a complementary role behind Jeanty. Despite Washington's RB2 status in Vegas, he has averaged 4.9 yards per carry and is one of the better upside RB handcuffs in the league.
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Mike Washington Jr. Still a Valuable RB Handcuff in Fantasy
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. fell off the deep-league waiver-wire radar after just two touches for 10 scrimmage yards in the Week 5 blowout loss to the New England Patriots, but he reminded fantasy managers why he is still valuable by handling a season-high-tying nine carries for a team-high 43 yards in Sunday's Week 6 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The 23-year-old caught his lone target in the passing game for a gain of seven yards. Washington's nine carries were just one fewer than starter Ashton Jeanty, but Jeanty saw six looks as a receiver for the Raiders. He is now averaging 4.9 yards per carry for 168 rushing yards and one touchdown on 34 carries through his first six NFL games, adding three catches for 11 yards through the air. Jeanty is Vegas' clear lead back in 2026 in his second year in the league, but the Raiders like Washington a lot, and he is one of the more valuable RB handcuffs in fantasy. Remember, Jeanty injured his ankle/foot in the preseason and has not been 100% early on. If Jeanty were to miss any time this year, Washington would become an every-week starting RB for fantasy managers. Washington is currently rostered in 30% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Mike Washington Jr. Fading as Deep-League Handcuff
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. has been a decent waiver-wire pickup as a handcuff with Ashton Jeanty banged up with ankle/foot injuries in recent weeks. But with Jeanty getting healthier this week and being removed from the injury report, the 23-year-old has gone back to being strictly a deep-league handcuff for fantasy managers who have Jeanty rostered. The fourth-rounder from Arkansas only had one rushing attempt for five yards and caught his only target in the passing game for five yards in negative game script in the 45-17 blowout loss on the road on Sunday to the New England Patriots in Week 5. Jeanty said this week that he is feeling as healthy as he has been all year going into the Week 6 contest at home against the Buffalo Bills. Washington has yet to see double-digit carries in his first five NFL games, and his role is expected to stay small this weekend in another matchup that could have the Raiders abandoning the run. The young back has been efficient with his limited touches, though, averaging 5.0 yards per attempt on 25 carries for 125 yards and one touchdown. Washington has added only two catches for four yards.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Ashton Jeanty Should Bounce Back vs. Bills
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty raised fantasy managers' eyebrows as he dealt with lingering foot and ankle injuries, but he could bounce back in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills. The star back has been nursing these ailments through the start of the season and was noticeably banged up as he was held to just 10 carries for 27 yards in a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots. The former Heisman Trophy finalist is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry, but maintains a heavy workload that has generated 88 carries for 291 yards. He adds 22 receptions for 215 yards and two passing touchdowns, which beefs up his fantasy output. Jeanty is a viable fantasy starter against a struggling Buffalo defense that allows the third-most total yards per game (388.6) in the league.
Source: Raiders.com
Source: Raiders.com
Ashton Jeanty Practices in Full on Thursday
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (foot) logged another full practice Thursday, per ESPN's Ryan McFadden. Jeanty has been battling foot and ankle issues since training camp, but it appears he is trending toward being active for the Raiders' Week 6 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The 22-year-old has been highly inefficient as a rusher so far this season, recording 291 yards on 88 carries (3.3 yards per attempt). However, Jeanty has saved his fantasy production with his work as a receiver, hauling in 22 catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns on 30 targets. Given that Jeanty is averaging 22 touches per game, Las Vegas does not seem to be concerned with limiting his workload. As long as he's active, Jeanty remains a must-start running back for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN - Ryan McFadden
Ashton Jeanty Feeling His Best Ahead of Week 6
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (foot) told reporters Thursday that he feels great and is feeling better physically than at any previous point this season, according to Ryan McFadden. The second-year back has battled an ankle injury since August and more recently developed a foot issue that left him questionable for Sunday's loss to New England. Jeanty managed just 27 rushing yards on 10 carries in that contest but added three receptions for 50 yards. He practiced in full Wednesday, with his ankle no longer appearing on the injury report, and head coach Klint Kubiak has dismissed the possibility of resting him for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against Buffalo. Jeanty has rushed for 291 yards on 88 carries through five games without a touchdown, although his 22 receptions for 215 yards and two receiving scores have helped his fantasy production. His improving health is encouraging, particularly after concerns about a potential absence surfaced earlier this week. Jeanty remains a viable fantasy starter against Buffalo, but Las Vegas' struggling rushing attack continues to limit his upside.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Ashton Jeanty a Full Participant in Wednesday's Practice
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (foot) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, according to The Athletic's Sam Warren. Jeanty has not been 100% lately while battling an ankle/foot injury that had him listed as questionable for last week's blowout loss to the New England Patriots. The 22-year-old has apparently improved since last week, and the Raiders are not going to rest the former first-rounder. He will be active in Week 6 at home against the visiting Buffalo Bills as the Raiders look to avoid a three-game losing streak after surprising everyone with a 3-0 start. But fantasy managers are wondering if Jeanty will be efficient while battling through his injury, and if rookie backup Mike Washington Jr. might continue to be more involved. Jeanty had a season-low 10 carries for only 27 yards and caught three passes for 50 yards on Sunday in New England. He is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry through five games in 2026, but his volume and involvement in the passing game (22 catches, 215 yards, two TDs) have kept his fantasy value afloat.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Ashton Jeanty Will Play in Week 6
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak was asked about internal discussions of resting running back Ashton Jeanty in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills, but he ultimately said that Jeanty will play, according to Levi Edwards of the team's official website. Jeanty was banged up last week and was listed as questionable going into the Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots, but he played and had a season-low 10 carries for only 27 yards while catching three of six targets for 50 yards in the 45-17 blowout loss. The former first-rounder is averaging only 3.3 yards per carry on 88 rushing attempts for 291 yards on the ground in his first five games in 2026, but he has made up for it with 22 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns as a pass-catcher. The 22-year-old Jeanty could give way to more of rookie Mike Washington Jr. again this weekend against Buffalo, but as long as he is active, he should be locked into most starting fantasy football lineups. UPDATE: Kubiak said that Jeanty is starting to "feel a lot better" physically.
Source: Raiders.com - Levi Edwards
Source: Raiders.com - Levi Edwards
Ashton Jeanty Could Be Rested to Recover From Injuries
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle, foot) could be given a game off to recover from his lingering injuries, according to ESPN. The team has reportedly discussed the possibility internally, although Jeanty has pushed to continue playing despite dealing with an ankle injury since August and a more recent foot issue. The 22-year-old was questionable for Sunday's 45-17 loss to New England and needed a pregame workout before being cleared. He finished with just 27 rushing yards on 10 carries, adding three receptions for 50 yards. Jeanty has struggled on the ground through five games, rushing for 291 yards on 88 attempts without a touchdown, although his 22 receptions for 215 yards and two receiving scores have helped his fantasy production. With Las Vegas' bye not arriving until Week 13, the team could decide to rest him before then. Rookie Mike Washington Jr. has rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries and would likely handle a larger workload if Jeanty sits, with Dylan Laube providing additional depth. Nothing has been decided yet, making Jeanty's practice participation ahead of Sunday's matchup against Buffalo particularly important for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike Washington Jr. Worth Stashing Amid Potential Workload Increase
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. had a very quiet game in his team's blowout loss to the New England Patriots in Week 5, recording just 10 yards from scrimmage on two carries. The 23-year-old is currently averaging five yards per carry this season, but he's seen limited usage while playing a reserve role behind Raiders workhorse back Ashton Jeanty (foot/ankle). However, Jeanty is currently battling a foot/ankle issue that may be limiting his effectiveness, as he's averaged just 3.3 yards per carry on 88 attempts so far this season. While Jeanty has not yet missed any time, the Raiders could eventually scale back his workload if he continues to be this inefficient. In leagues where he remains available, Washington Jr. profiles as an appealing handcuff option with some standalone upside for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ashton Jeanty a Bust in Loss to Patriots
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty didn't have an answer for the New England Patriots' defense as he was held to just 27 yards on 10 carries in a 45-17 loss in Week 5. Jeanty was limited in practice during the week and questionable to play on Sunday due to an ankle-foot injury, although the Silver and Black's running game collectively struggled in Foxborough, with third-string back Dylan Laube tallying the only TD on the ground. It's unclear how much the previous week's injury played into Jeanty's performance, but he is nonetheless a bust for Vegas in a disappointing road loss. Fantasy managers should monitor his status ahead of the Raiders' Week 6 home game against the Buffalo Bills.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike Washington Jr. Lacks Week 5 Starting Appeal
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. is difficult to trust against the New England Patriots in Week 5 now that Ashton Jeanty (ankle/foot) has been cleared to play. Washington had a potential path to a larger workload after Jeanty missed Friday's practice, but the starter's availability changes that outlook considerably. The rookie has carried 24 times for 120 yards and a touchdown through four games, compared with Jeanty's 78 rushing attempts. Washington saw his most extensive action last week against Kansas City, managing just 18 yards on nine carries and catching one pass for a loss of one yard. That was his first reception of the season, and Jeanty's 19 catches through four games show just how unevenly the passing-game work has been distributed. Washington could still see a handful of carries, but there isn't much room for fantasy production without a significant shift in usage. Ranked RB51 by RotoBaller for Week 5, he belongs on the bench in standard leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ashton Jeanty Officially Active Versus Patriots
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle, foot) is officially active for the Week 5 game in New England against the Patriots, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jeanty came in with a questionable tag this week after missing practice late in the week due to a flare-up of plantar fasciitis, along with an ankle injury. The second-year back came into Sunday's contest hopeful to play, and he was able to do enough during pre-game warmups to convince the coaching staff. Jeanty will be active, but he will be a much riskier RB2 for fantasy managers, with the potential to see fewer snaps on offense if he is not 100 percent. Mike Washington Jr. would benefit from more touches if the Raiders take it easy on Jeanty, but he will not be a recommended fantasy starter now that Jeanty is active. The 22-year-old Jeanty has averaged only 3.4 yards per carry through four games so far in 2026, but he has seen plenty of volume as the Raiders' top back, carrying the ball 78 times for 264 yards. He is still searching for his first rushing touchdown, but he has added 19 catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Ashton Jeanty Hopes to Play Sunday, Will Work Out Pregame
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (foot, ankle) hopes to play in Sunday's Week 5 contest against the New England Patriots, but he will work out pregame to confirm his availability, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Jeanty is reportedly dealing with a flare-up of plantar fasciitis, along with a separate ankle injury. Rapoport reported that the probability of Jeanty suiting up is "not definite," so fantasy managers should at least explore making alternate plans in case he's ruled out 90 minutes before kickoff. In that scenario, Mike Washington Jr. would take over the lead-back role against a strong Patriots defensive front. Alternatively, if Jeanty plays, he would rank as a mid-to-low RB1 in fantasy football despite the specific matchup.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Raiders Elevate Roman Hemby Amid Teammate's Questionable Status
The Las Vegas Raiders have elevated running back Roman Hemby from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's Week 5 contest against the New England Patriots, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. This news is particularly noteworthy given that Hemby would likely be active if Ashton Jeanty (foot, ankle) isn't able to suit up. Jeanty's participation in practice declined every day this past week, leading to a DNP on Friday. He's officially questionable for Week 5, and there's a real chance that he doesn't play given his progression over the past few days. If Jeanty isn't able to suit up, Vegas would likely turn to Mike Washington Jr. to lead its backfield. In that scenario, Hemby and Dylan Laube would round out the depth chart in supporting roles.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
