The Raiders are getting pieces back, and for a team that has spent too much time juggling injuries, that matters.
Ashton Jeanty’s ankle issue has hung over the backfield since the latter half of training camp, and the questions around his health have not gone away. The Raiders have continued to insist he is fine, but they’ve also had to manage his workload with a committee approach. Jeanty has still produced - his 251 receiving yards rank second among running backs behind only the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Jaylen Warren - yet the uncertainty has lingered.
That backfield picture could get even tighter if Mike Washington remains unavailable. Washington is questionable with foot and back injuries and missed the last couple days of practice, leaving Jeanty to share work with Dylan Laube and possibly UDFA Roman Hemby.
“We’re still counting on all three guys that are activated to go,” said Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak on Friday.
The encouraging part for Las Vegas is that the roster appears to be moving in the right direction elsewhere. Wide receiver Jalen Nailor returned from concussion protocol last week against the Buffalo Bills, and Dont’e Thornton Jr. is working toward his 2026 season debut after missing time with a hamstring injury.
Thornton was ruled out against the Rams, but he was at the end of his 21-day practice window and needs to be activated by Wednesday or his season will be shut down. He still doesn’t have a clearly defined role in Kubiak’s offense, but the Raiders clearly value what he can bring as a vertical threat.
“He’s making big progress. He’s done a lot of good things in practice,” said Kubiak on Thornton’s recovery.
“Still working back into getting his football legs back after missing a lot of time, but I’ve been really pleased with his effort, with his detail. He’s close.”
For a receiver room that needs anyone who can consistently produce, Thornton’s return would be a welcome boost.
The same goes for defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway, who also came back from concussion protocol. He wore a red non-contact jersey during Thursday’s practice, then showed up in a normal jersey on Friday. Hemingway had flashed in the preseason and looked like a possible breakout piece, but the concussion and uneven play from the defensive line group slowed that momentum.
He is confirmed to be active Sunday, and the Raiders are hoping he can find his footing quickly.
“Brings a lot of confidence,” said Kubiak on Hemingway’s return. “He’s playing really good football and we’re really excited to have him back. He means a lot to our defense.”
If those players can stay healthy and start looking like themselves again, the Raiders could finally start climbing out of the hole injuries have helped dig.
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Washington had been limited the previous day before the setback became more serious, leaving his status for the matchup in doubt. If he cant go, the Raiders may need to turn more heavily to Dylan Laube and could even look at Roman Hemby as a possible option for his first regular-season action. [Read more 🡒]