The Las Vegas Raiders got the kind of Week 1 news that changes the feel of an opener. Ashton Jeanty is cleared to play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, giving a team with a new coaching staff and two new quarterbacks its most important offensive piece right from the jump.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Jeanty is officially off the injury report and set to be active for the season opener. The only setback in the picture is at tight end, where Brock Bowers has officially been ruled out for Sunday.
Jeanty’s availability had been in question after he sprained his ankle on August 23 during training camp. That injury briefly put his status for Week 1 in doubt, but the Raiders now have their top offensive weapon ready to go as the season opens.
That matters even more because of the role waiting for him. Jeanty is entering his second NFL season, and new head coach Klint Kubiak has built his offense around the run game throughout his coaching career. That setup makes Jeanty a natural focal point as Las Vegas starts over.
The Raiders made Jeanty the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after he put together one of the most impressive seasons in recent college football history at Boise State. He wasted no time carrying that production into the pros, finishing his rookie year with 975 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, plus 55 catches for 346 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
That kind of dual-threat production is exactly why Jeanty matters so much to this offense. With a new staff in place and Kirk Cousins at quarterback, Las Vegas figures to lean heavily on its young back early and often.
There is still a season-long health watch here, because ankle sprains can linger if they are not fully healed. But for now, the important part is simple: Jeanty is good to go for Sunday, and the Raiders get a major lift heading into their opener.
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