The Raiders are getting a timely lift before their season opener against the Miami Dolphins, and it comes in the form of Ashton Jeanty being cleared to play.
Jeanty had spent multiple days as a full participant in practice, a strong sign after an ankle injury had raised the possibility that he could be out for a while. Instead, he enters Week 1 without an injury designation, giving Las Vegas a major piece back at just the right time.
That matters because the Raiders’ offense looks built to lean on the run. With Brock Bowers sidelined after a knee procedure, Las Vegas is missing arguably its best weapon in the passing game. That makes Jeanty even more important, especially with Klint Kubiak likely wanting to establish the ground attack early and often.
The matchup also points in that direction. Miami finished 28th in the league in yards per rush allowed in 2025, and the Dolphins will be without defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, who is dealing with a leg injury. In that kind of setup, Jeanty and the Raiders’ rushing game could have room to work.
There is still the question of workload. Mike Washington Jr. brings an intriguing rookie presence and should have a role after what he showed in the preseason, but he does not yet offer the steady down-to-down reliability Jeanty is expected to provide. If Kubiak remains cautious with Jeanty’s ankle, Washington could help shoulder some of the load.
Still, if Jeanty is ready for a full workload, the Raiders’ offense changes. Jeff Hafley is a strong defensive coach, but the personnel around him does not look equipped to slow Jeanty if he’s healthy and running with his usual burst.
A true 25-30 carry game for Jeanty might be a stretch because of the ankle and Washington’s presence, but it’s not impossible. However much Kubiak asks of him, the bigger point is simple: Las Vegas looks a lot different with Jeanty on the field, and the Raiders are better positioned to build their game plan around him now that he’s back.
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