Ashton Jeanty’s potential replacement is already making a strong case to be the Raiders’ No. 1 back

T he Las Vegas Raiders may have been dealt a major blow Sunday when running back Ashton Jeanty suffered an apparent right leg injury at practice, but they may also have a rookie ready to step into the spotlight. Mike Washington Jr. has quietly emerged as one of the most impressive players of Las Vegas' preseason , and if Jeanty is forced to miss significant time, the rookie could suddenly find himself carrying a much larger portion of the Raiders' offense.

Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, did not put weight on his right leg after landing awkwardly while diving for a pass, according to reports. Trainers helped him from the field, and the Raiders subsequently gathered for a team prayer. The organization had not immediately provided an update on the severity of the injury.

The situation is potentially significant for a Las Vegas offense counting on Jeanty to build on an impressive rookie campaign. The 22-year-old finished his first NFL season with 1,321 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the central pieces of the Raiders' offensive attack.

Washington could be asked to fill some enormous shoes

And based on what he has shown so far, the Raiders have reason to believe he is capable. Washington has impressed during his first two preseason appearances, demonstrating the combination of size, explosiveness and versatility that could make him much more than a temporary replacement.

At 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, Washington has the physical profile of a featured NFL running back. His résumé also suggests that his preseason success is not coming out of nowhere. The Utica, New York , native played his final college season at Arkansas in 2025 after spending one year at New Mexico State and three seasons at Buffalo.

Across his college career, he recorded 587 rushing attempts for 2,914 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 73 receptions for 470 yards and three receiving touchdowns. His lone season with Arkansas was particularly impressive.

Washington started all 12 games and rushed 167 times for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry, a remarkable figure that ranked second in the SEC and ninth nationally. He also caught 28 passes for 226 yards and another touchdown. That production earned him Second-Team All-SEC honors.

The Raiders clearly saw something in Washington

They brought him into the organization, but his preseason performances have accelerated the conversation around his potential role. With Jeanty potentially sidelined, Washington could be the next man up, and perhaps more than that.

The Raiders' running back room also includes Dylan Laube, Roman Hemby and veteran Dare Ogunbowale, while Connor Heyward and Patrick Gurd provide fullback options. There are other possibilities for replacing Jeanty's touches, but Washington appears to have separated himself through his combination of talent and recent production. His emergence could be particularly valuable for an offense still developing its identity.

A featured running back needs to do more than simply carry the football. He has to contribute in the passing game, protect the quarterback, handle different running concepts and remain productive when defenses know he is getting the ball. Washington's college résumé suggests he can do all of those things.

His 73 career receptions also demonstrate that he is comfortable catching passes, while his size gives the Raiders a powerful option between the tackles. The 6.4 yards-per-carry average he posted in the SEC shows that he also possesses the explosiveness to turn routine opportunities into substantial gains. The timing of his emergence could hardly be more important.