The Las Vegas Raiders have finalized their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season, trimming it down to the required 53 players as they prepare for their opening game against the Miami Dolphins on September 13 at Allegiant Stadium. Among the notable decisions made by the team was the fate of star running back Ashton Jeanty, who will not begin the season on injured reserve.
As the team gears up for the upcoming season, Jeanty's status was a significant point of discussion. The second-year running back had been dealing with an injury that raised concerns about his availability for the start of the season. However, the Raiders have decided against placing him on injured reserve, which would have sidelined him for at least the first four games of the year. This decision indicates the team's confidence in Jeanty’s recovery and their hope that he will return to the field sooner rather than later.
Head coach Klint Kubiak, who is entering his first season with the Raiders, expressed optimism regarding Jeanty's situation. According to Sam Warren of The Athletic, the decision not to place Jeanty on IR suggests that the coaching staff believes he could be back in action within the first month of the season. "The Raiders did not place Ashton Jeanty on IR to begin the season," Warren tweeted, emphasizing the team's belief in his potential return.
While the news about Jeanty is encouraging for the Raiders, it remains uncertain exactly when he will be ready to contribute. In the meantime, the team can rely on rookie Mike Washington Jr. to take over as the starting running back. Washington has shown considerable promise during the preseason and training camp, earning him a significant role within the team. Should Jeanty miss the initial games, Washington is expected to lead the Raiders' rushing attack, with Dylan Laube likely stepping in as his backup.
In addition to the developments surrounding Jeanty, the Raiders have also made headlines by keeping three quarterbacks on their roster as they begin the 2026 campaign. This decision comes as a surprise given the number of quarterbacks who were released or traded prior to the roster deadline. The trio includes veteran Kirk Cousins, along with Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell, both of whom have shown potential during training camp.
Keeping O’Connell on the roster provides the Raiders with valuable depth at the quarterback position. Should Cousins, who is expected to lead the team, face any setbacks, O’Connell's experience can be a crucial asset. The decision to retain three quarterbacks reflects Kubiak's strategy to ensure that the team is well-prepared for any challenges that may arise during the season.
As the Raiders look ahead to their matchup against the Dolphins, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and navigating the early part of the season without Jeanty, while also integrating their new quarterback strategy. The confidence shown in Jeanty’s recovery and the depth at quarterback could play significant roles in the Raiders' success as they embark on the 2026 NFL season.
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