Ashton Jeanty's Updated Injury Status and Fantasy Outlook for Raiders vs. Dolphins in NFL Week 1

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, who suffered a sprained ankle during an Aug. 23 practice, said he'll play in his team's season-opening matchup on Sunday vs. the Miami Dolphins.

That should extinguish any remaining doubt about his status, on top of the fact that Jeanty was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, per the Raiders' injury report.

With all that being said, the expectation here is for Jeanty to handle his usual full workload for the first game in head coach Klint Kubiak's tenure.

Jeanty, the 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up, was selected sixth overall in the NFL draft after a stellar career at Boise State.

Last year, Jeanty amassed 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries (3.7 yards per attempt). He also caught 55 passes for 346 yards and five more scores.

Jeanty didn't have the most efficient year in a bad season for the Raiders offense on the whole (last in scoring), but there is hope in the form of Kubiak, the former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator who helped lead his old team to a Super Bowl title last February. Kubiak is a bright offensive mind who can unlock Jeanty's potential, leading to a more efficient and productive year two.

Per the Fantasy Pros point-per-reception draft rankings, which were the result of a consensus of 177 fantasy football experts, Jeanty ranked 11th among running backs and 28th overall entering this season.

There's no doubt Jeanty is an every-week starting running back in season-long leagues. He was 11th last year among running backs in PPR points (245.1) and 30th overall despite averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.

The big question is whether Jeanty could cede some touches to rookie Mike Washington Jr., who has shined in the preseason and has earned time. As ESPN's Ryan McFadden noted, Kubiak talked about Jeanty as a bellcow, but that may not be the case given Washington's emergence.

Still, Jeanty is the clear No. 1, and he seems past the ankle injury. He should be started with confidence, and finishing comfortably as a top-five running back in points per game this year isn't out of the question.