Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty is officially active for the Week 5 game against the New England Patriots, overcoming recent injury concerns related to his foot and ankle.
Why it matters: Jeanty's presence is key for the Raiders as they face a competitive Patriots team. His performance could heavily influence the outcome of the game and impact fantasy football lineups.
- Jeanty was listed as questionable leading up to the game due to a flare-up of plantar fasciitis and an ankle injury.
- Coach Klint Kubiak expressed confidence in Jeanty, stating, "He’s going to do his best to go." This indicates the team's reliance on him as a leader.
- The Raiders elevated rookie running back Roman Hemby from the practice squad as a precautionary measure, signaling concerns about Jeanty's availability.
Driving the news: Jeanty practiced fully on Wednesday but was limited on Thursday and did not participate on Friday, raising doubts about his ability to play. His status changed dramatically during pregame warmups, where he reportedly looked good enough to suit up.
- During warmups, Jeanty participated in a brief footwork drill before engaging in discussions with the coaching staff, which hinted at his potential readiness.
- Following these observations, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed Jeanty was active for the game, alleviating concerns for both fans and fantasy managers.
State of play: Jeanty has had a challenging start to the season, averaging only 3.4 yards per carry without a rushing touchdown. His dual-threat capability, evidenced by 165 receiving yards and two touchdowns, remains a valuable asset for the Raiders.
- In four games this season, Jeanty has rushed for 264 yards on 78 attempts, showing flashes of his potential but struggling with consistency due to injuries.
- His involvement in the passing game provides quarterback Kirk Cousins with a reliable outlet, particularly important against a Patriots defense that may struggle to contain him.
The big picture: The Raiders are currently 3-1 and looking to maintain momentum after their first loss of the season. Jeanty's performance could be instrumental in solidifying their standing in the AFC.
- Las Vegas has struggled with their rushing attack, ranking 29th in expected points added and 30th in rushing success rate, which emphasizes the need for Jeanty to perform effectively.
- With Jeanty active, the Raiders can utilize a more dynamic offense, potentially easing pressure off the passing game.
What they're saying: Coach Kubiak has praised Jeanty, asserting, "I think he’s been doing a great job. And again, he’s a leader on our team. We’re counting on him." This reflects the high expectations the team has for Jeanty as they navigate the season.
- Analysts have noted that if Jeanty plays, he must be in fantasy lineups due to his volume, but caution against potential re-injury risks.
- Fantasy experts suggest that backup Mike Washington Jr. could see increased touches regardless of Jeanty's status, especially if Jeanty’s workload is limited.
By the numbers: Jeanty's statistics this season highlight both his potential and struggles:
- Rushing Attempts: 78
- Rushing Yards: 264
- Receiving Yards: 165
- Touchdowns: 2 (both receiving)
Between the lines: Jeanty's injury history raises questions about how much he can contribute effectively against New England's defense.
- New England’s defensive scheme will likely focus on stopping Jeanty, who has shown he can be a game-changer when healthy.
- With key players missing from the Patriots' secondary, Jeanty's ability to catch passes out of the backfield could exploit matchups favorably.
What's next: The Raiders face the Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 11, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM ET.
- As the game approaches, attention will turn to Jeanty to see how he handles his injuries and whether he can deliver a strong performance.
- Fans and fantasy managers alike are eager to see if Jeanty can break through the struggles that have defined his early season.