New Ashton Jeanty Rumors Reveal Severity of Ankle Injury After Scary Moment at Raiders Practice

After Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty injured his ankle in practice on Sunday, many feared the worst.

However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that Jeanty's outlook isn't so dire, as he avoided any kind of season-ending injury.

"It's nothing like that," Rapoport said. "My understanding... is that it's an ankle sprain believed to be more low than high, and not considered to be a major injury. But it is a real injury, and the reality is, there is a chance that Ashton Jeanty may not be on the field for Week 1. They are hopeful that he will be. There is a chance that he won't be."

Multiple reports sparked a wave of concern on Sunday when it was revealed that Jeanty had to leave practice early and could not put weight on his leg as he was helped off the field by trainers. ESPN's Ryan McFadden reported that the second-year back suffered the injury when he dove for a catch and landed awkwardly on his right leg during team drills, and his teammates "took a knee and said a prayer after Jeanty exited the field."

Jeanty is coming off a strong rookie season. He totaled 266 carries for 975 yards and five touchdowns while also adding 55 receptions for 346 yards and five more scores. The 2025 No. 6 pick was widely expected to make a leap in his sophomore campaign under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak, who was the offensive coordinator of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

While Jeanty's injury doesn't appear to be a long-term setback, the Raiders will likely be cautious with his recovery. Rapoport noted that his potential absence will allow Las Vegas to explore its running back depth, and "that might not be a bad thing, either." Rookie ball-carrier Mike Washington Jr., a fourth-round pick in this year's draft, has impressed with 119 yards across two preseason games.

Once Jeanty is back at full strength, the Raiders will give him the lion's share of the carries as they try to emerge from their ongoing rebuild.