Ashton Jeanty’s ankle injury has put the Raiders in a holding pattern, and it may be the kind that nudges Kareem Hunt back onto their radar.
Jeanty left Sunday’s practice unable to put weight on his leg after diving for a low throw from Kirk Cousins. The early read, though, brought some relief. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and The Athletic’s Sam Warren both reported that the injury is believed to be a sprained ankle rather than something that will linger long term.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Raiders are “breathing a sigh of relief,” but Las Vegas still doesn’t have a clear timetable for when Jeanty will be back. That uncertainty matters a lot for a team built around its second-year running back. Jeanty was drafted last year to be the engine of the offense, and even a brief absence would put real strain on a depth chart that suddenly looks thin.
Mike Washington Jr. is next up, but he’s a rookie without NFL experience. Beyond him, the Raiders don’t have a proven veteran sitting there as an obvious stopgap.
That’s why Hunt fits. He remains unsigned in late August, and he brings the kind of profile Las Vegas is missing. He has nine years of experience, familiarity with the AFC West from his Kansas City stint, and a reputation as a reliable short-yardage and red-zone back who can also work as a receiver.
The numbers from last season only sharpen the case: 611 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on 163 carries after he stepped into a starting role in Kansas City. On a one-year deal, he wouldn’t cost much against the cap, and he would give the Raiders the flexibility to bring Jeanty back on their own timeline instead of forcing him into a Week 1 workload.
If Hunt is a real target, the Raiders are expected to make a decision within the next few days. For now, they’re waiting on more clarity from imaging and follow-up evaluations on Jeanty’s ankle. The appeal is obvious: add help to the offense without risking Jeanty’s long-term role once he’s healthy.
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