Ashton Jeanty is set to be back on the field for the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, but his return alone doesn’t suddenly turn the ground game into a sure thing.
Jeanty’s training camp injury created some concern when it first happened, and it still left his opening-week status in doubt for a while. But the latest signs from the Raiders point in the other direction. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Wednesday that Jeanty would suit up, and both Jeanty and offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko made it clear this week that the running back is ready to go.
"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."
Jeanty then backed that up when asked if he felt 100% heading into Sunday.
"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."
He also told the media he never had any worries about missing opening weekend, which makes it sound like this was always part of the plan.
So yes, the Raiders should have their star running back available Sunday in Las Vegas. The bigger question is how much they ask him to do.
Jeanty could be on a pitch count, which would open the door for Mike Washington Jr. to handle a meaningful share of snaps. Or the Raiders could let Jeanty go full throttle and treat him like he never missed a beat.
Even with Jeanty back, though, Miami looks capable of making life difficult on the ground.
The Dolphins’ secondary may have the chance to be the worst in the league this season, but the front seven is a different story. Chop Robinson, Jordan Phillips, Zach Sieler, and Josh Uche give Miami a starting defensive line that can hold its own, and Ronnie Harrison Jr. adds another solid run defender in the edge rotation.
It’s not an overwhelming group, but it is sturdy enough to demand respect. The Raiders’ offensive line still has something to prove before anyone starts waving off an average defensive front.
And the linebacker group is where Miami can really cause problems. Jordyn Brooks is an elite run-stopper, rookie Jacob Rodriguez looks like he’s on that path too, and Willie Gay Jr. is the one spot that stands out as the weaker link.
If Las Vegas’ offensive line really is as improved as people think, it should be able to get to the second level and create room for Jeanty and Washington Jr. against the Dolphins’ secondary. If that happens, the Raiders can do damage.
But Jeanty being back is not the same thing as the Raiders automatically rolling over Miami. His presence is a clear boost, especially compared with having to lean on a rookie fourth-rounder this early. Still, the Dolphins won’t make it easy.
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