Ashton Jeanty's Ankle Injury Status Discussed by Raiders' Klint Kubiak Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

Las Vegas Raiders fans looking for clarity on the severity of Ashton Jeanty's ankle injury didn't get much from head coach Klint Kubiak on Tuesday.

"I'm not gonna get into the injuries," Kubiak told reporters when asked about the running back. "He's on the mend."

He also said, "Ashton got hurt in practice and the whole team took a knee. I think that says a lot about him being on the mend and us counting on him. So, really excited to get him back."

The comments come after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Jeanty seemed to have avoided a 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."

There was significant concern for Jeanty in the immediate aftermath of his setback, especially since Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post reported he couldn't put weight on his leg as he exited the field.

Yet ESPN's Adam Schefter and Rapoport reported it wasn't seen as "a long-term injury" even though there was still some uncertainty regarding the exact timeline.

Considering how secretive some NFL coaches are when it comes to injury updates, Kubiak's comments aren't surprising. He and the Raiders also may not know exactly when the running back will be ready to return to the field at this point.

Las Vegas starts the 2026 campaign on Sept. 13 against the Miami Dolphins.

Jeanty figures to be a major part of its offensive attack after he ran for 975 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie. The Raiders selected him with the No. 6 overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft with the hope he would become a franchise building block, and the 2026 campaign represents a chance for him to take a second-year leap.

He has to be on the field to do that, though, which makes the timing of his setback rather concerning even if it isn't a season-ending one.

If Jeanty is out for the game against the Dolphins, look for the Raiders to turn to Mike Washington Jr. at running back.