Ashton Jeanty injury: Raiders short on running back depth after star goes down

Ashton Jeanty injury: Raiders short on running back depth after star goes down originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's never a good sign when the team gathers for prayer after an injury. 

That's what happened at Raiders' practice on Sunday. ESPN's Ryan McFadden reports that the entire team took a knee and prayed over Ashton Jeanty, star running back for Las Vegas. 

The second-year back reportedly dove for a catch and suffered a knee injury during practice. He was helped off by two trainers and could not put any weight on his right leg. 

This is a devastating blow for Vegas, who just drafted QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall. After a tough rookie season for Jeanty, he was expected to bounce back with a revamped offensive line. 

With no more information on Jeanty we're forced to speculate. Is this a season-ending injury? A scary moment that will be a minor setback? 

#RaiderNation some context on Ashton Jeanty’s injury at practice today ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/jSRNjry9bx

Regardless of what the injury is, one thing is clear: The Raiders running back pantry is bone-dry without Jeanty. 

If he's held off the field for any games this season, here's who the Raiders have to tote the rock. 

If Jeanty is down for the season, this is the first name that fantasy footballers will learn. And they'll learn it in a hurry. 

Mike Washington Jr. is a rookie out of Arkansas. His senior year he carried the ball 67 times for 1,070 yards and 8 TD's. The Raiders picked him up in the fourth round. 

Washington is a small, speedy back not unlike Jeanty. He's shown some promise in preseason action (see below). 

RB1 Mike Washington Jr.pic.twitter.com/L91HSD0stc

The rookie could see action regardless of Jeanty's status. But if the starter is hurt, look for Washington Jr. to take the lion's share of the snaps.

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Raiders fans will remember Dylan Laube for his special teams contributions. 

The 200-pound bruiser is a kickoff returner and coverage player on special teams. He's also listed as a running back, with a whole 9 yards earned across his 2-year career. 

Laube is a tough, hard-nosed player. He's good as a fullback type that can pass protect and maybe show a flash if given the opportunity. 

If Jeanty is hurt for the long-term, Laube will get some opportunities.

Roman Hemby, an undrafted free agent, might have the best case of all running backs to get some snaps next to Fernando Mendoza. 

Hemby played alongside Mendoze, the No. 1 overall pick, running for 60 yards in Indiana's win over Miami in the 2026 College Football National Championship.

While he wasn't drafted by the Raiders, he's shown promise in preseason action. If Jeanty is forced to the IR list, it could open up a roster spot for Hemby. 

Maybe his old teammate, Mendoza, will vouch for him? 

You can make a case for any of these running backs to take over for Jeanty. But this slim list shows the Raiders need to find more depth at the position. 

Even if Jeanty is healthy, Las Vegas needs an insurance policy. Without it, they could be relying on this trio.

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