This is not how Ashton Jeanty was supposed to develop when the Las Vegas Raiders made him the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The former Heisman Trophy finalist projected as an eventual superstar, but to reach that heralded potential, he needs to improve upon his play in 2026. Not only is Jeanty on pace to regress statistically from his promising rookie year, but he is also experiencing a role decrease.
The Raiders got into a shootout with the New York Jets in Week 8, yet Jeanty carried the ball just twice in the 38-33 win. He saw a greater workload as a receiver with three catches on four targets than he did as a rusher. The five total touches were the fewest of his young career.
Jeanty's downturn in opportunities is a trend. He opened the season with a fantastic effort against the Miami Dolphins and amassed 102 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards and two touchdowns across 29 touches. Since then, his carry total has diminished on a weekly basis.
It reached a new low on Sunday when Mike Washington Jr., conversely, set a career high with 38 snaps. The road game at MetLife Stadium also marked the first time this season that Washington started over Jeanty. "That's my call," Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said postgame of the snap distribution at running back.
"Ashton's still going to be a big part of our team. He's going to be a huge part of our run game going forward. We just wanted to give Mike a few more opportunities today.
I think both of those guys are going to be a huge part of our rushing and passing success moving forward." It is more than just the reduction in opportunities that contributes to Jeanty's underwhelming sophomore NFL campaign. He is not nearly as efficient of a runner as he was last year, either. Jeanty averages 0.6 fewer yards per carry in 2026 than in 2025.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
