New Raiders Rumors on Ashton Jeanty's 'Wake-Up Call' After Mike Washington Jr.'s Increased Usage

The Las Vegas Raiders are hoping second-year running back Ashton Jeanty will see his limited usage in last Sunday's win at the New York Jets as a "wake-up call," ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Wednesday.

Mike Washington Jr. recorded 25 carries for 83 yards in Week 8, while Jeanty saw a career-low two touches for nine yards.

If this doesn't spark any changes from Jeanty, Graziano reported the Raiders are "content to distribute the carries in Washington's favor moving forward, as he offers a more explosive element in the run game right now."

Graziano also noted the decision to turn to Washington over Jeanty could be seen a reflection of strong roster influence from head coach Klint Kubiak, who was hired after Jeanty was selected with the No. 6 pick of the 2025 draft.

Kubiak told reporters earlier this week the decision to give Washington more touches against the Jets was his call. He also said Jeanty's role reduction wasn't related to his pregame comments disparaging the effort of the Jets' run defense.

"He's gonna be a huge part of our run game moving forward. We just wanted to give Mike a few more opportunities today," Kubiak said Sunday about Jeanty. "I think both of those guys are gonna be a huge part of our rushing and passing success moving forward."

Jeanty suffered a sprained ankle during practice in late August but was available to record a season-high 23 carries in Week 1.

According to Graziano, the Raiders felt Jeanty had limitations from that injury early in the season but is now "at a point where they want to see him play better."

Jeanty had recorded 106 carries for 328 yards with one touchdown heading into last weekend's matchup against the Jets.

He had also made 34 receptions, including three touchdown catches, while ranking first among running backs with 312 receiving yards. Jeanty again played a key role in his team's pass game during Sunday's win in New York.

The Raiders are preparing for a matchup Sunday at the San Francisco 49ers against a run defense that has so far ranked among the most effective in the NFL this season.

Even if Jeanty sees more touches this weekend, Kubiak has indicated he could be considering splitting the backfield more between Jeanty and Washington when the Week 9 matchup kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET in Santa Clara.