Ashton Jeanty's training camp injury didn't end up being as devastating as fans thought it would be when news first broke. It still wasn't good for the Las Vegas Raiders to have their star running back banged up, and his outlook for the beginning of the 2026 NFL season was still very much in question.
But it sounded like, based on Klint Kubiak's words on Wednesday, that Jeanty would actually suit up in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. After the whole Brock Bowers ordeal, though, fans are having a hard time believing what the Raiders' new head coach says, especially as it pertains to injuries.
However, according to Jeanty himself, the second-year stud is prepared to play on opening weekend. And while that is undeniably a good thing for the Las Vegas rushing attack, it isn't necessarily a magic elixir against a surprisingly tough Dolphins front seven and what looks to be a solid run defense.
Is Ashton Jeanty playing for Raiders in Week 1 against Dolphins?
Jeanty is expected to play in Week 1 against Miami. At least he and new offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko both made comments this week suggesting (and practically confirming) that he will be.
"We're happy to have Ashton [Jeanty] back on the field; get him ready to go," Janocko told reporters. "He comes out with that big smile on his face. The energy he brings to this offense and to this organization is undeniable. So, just happy to have him back out working."
Obviously, Janocko is just talking about practice there, but the need to "get him ready to go" certainly points to Sunday. But when asked if he felt 100% heading into Sunday's matchup, Jeanty didn't hesitate to let fans know his status.
"Yeah. I feel really good," Jeanty said. "Super excited to go out there and play a good game with this team against the Dolphins. Super excited."
That settles it. Jeanty even told the media that he never had any concerns about missing opening weekend, so the dark cloud that was cast over the Raiders' building was a figment of the fanbase's imagination. It seems like Jeanty playing in Week 1 was always known and a part of the plan.
Expect to see the star running back on Sunday in Las Vegas. The only question that remains is whether the team intends to have him on a pitch count, meaning Mike Washington Jr. would get to play a decent snap share, or if Jeanty is going to be playing all game like he never left.
Oh, and if the Raiders can run the ball against a shockingly stout Miami front even.
Dolphins' front seven could pose issues for Raiders' run game
The Dolphins' secondary has a chance to be the worst in the league this season, but their starting defensive line of Chop Robinson, Jordan Phillips, Zach Sieler, and Josh Uche can get the job done. Ronnie Harrison Jr. is also solid against the run in their edge rusher rotation.
It's not like this front is super intimidating or one of the league's elite units, but the Raiders' offensive line has a lot more to prove before writing off even an average defensive line. More importantly, though, the Miami linebacker corps can get downhill in a hurry and make plays against the run.
Jordyn Brooks is an elite run-stopping linebacker, and rookie Jacob Rodriguez appears to be well on his way to that status as well. Willie Gay Jr. is somewhat of a weak link, but with the aforementioned two and even an average front, it won't be "easy" for Las Vegas to have success on the ground.
If this Las Vegas offensive line is as improved as fans think it is, then they should be able to handle this group and climb to the second level to take on the linebackers. If that can happen, the Raiders will dominate if they can get Jeanty and Washington Jr. in the open field against the secondary.
Yes, having Jeanty back is better than needing to rely on a rookie fourth-rounder in Washington Jr. so early in his career, even if he showed promise this preseason. But Jeanty's return doesn't just mean that the Raiders are now destined to run all over Miami; the Dolphins won't go down without a fight.
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