The positive practice report aligns with encouraging comments made by Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak earlier in the day. Kubiak noted that the 22-year-old running back is feeling much better physically and is progressing well in his recovery. The head coach also confirmed that the team has had no discussions about scaling back Jeanty’s workload or resting him due to the lingering soreness, signaling that the offense’s primary weapon is expected to maintain his usual role moving forward.
Jeanty’s path to Wednesday’s full participation follows a turbulent stretch that included managing both ankle and foot injuries leading up to the team’s Week 6 contest against the New England Patriots. Prior to that game, Jeanty was listed as questionable on the Friday injury report, with Kubiak telling reporters that the rookie-turned-sophomore star would "do his best to go." After going through a pregame workout under the watchful eye of the training staff, Jeanty was cleared to play against the Patriots, though the offense struggled collectively in a 45-17 blowout loss.
During that tough road defeat in New England, Jeanty was largely held in check on the ground, carrying the ball 10 times for 27 yards. However, he remained involved through the passing game, catching three of his six targets for 50 yards. The performance highlighted his dual-threat capability, a trait that made him one of the most coveted prospects entering the NFL.
The physical hurdles Jeanty has faced this season are part of a continuous journey that began during the summer. Back on August 23, during a training camp session, Jeanty suffered an ankle injury after landing awkwardly on the turf of the Raiders’ indoor practice facility. The mishap required him to be helped off the field and initiated a multi-week absence that sidelined him through the conclusion of the preseason. Head coach Klint Kubiak maintained a guarded stance regarding the running back’s recovery timeline for weeks, though he eventually expressed optimism that Jeanty would be ready for the season opener against the Miami Dolphins. That optimism was rewarded when Jeanty returned to practice in early September, clearing the way for his availability from Week 1 onward.
The Raiders made a substantial commitment to Jeanty in May of 2025, signing the former high draft pick to a four-year, $35.9 million contract following a dazzling collegiate career at Boise State. Standing at 5-foot-9 and 211 pounds, Jeanty entered the professional ranks heralded as one of the finest running back prospects in recent memory. Analysts and scouts frequently pointed to his unique blend of a low, densely built center of gravity and elite top-end speed—highlighted by a class-leading 21.7 mph on-field speed during his final college season—as traits that would seamlessly translate to the NFL level.
During his prolific college career, Jeanty showcased the versatility to thrive in vastly different offensive systems. In 2023, he excelled as a dynamic dual threat, averaging 18.3 carries and 3.6 receptions per game, while transitioning into a pure rushing workhorse role in 2024 by averaging 26.7 carries alongside 1.7 catches. This diverse skill set drew stylistic comparisons to elite NFL runners capable of functioning either as a heavy-volume workhorse or as a dynamic weapon in open space.
Upon arriving in Las Vegas as the No. 6 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jeanty stepped into a backfield in desperate need of a spark following a difficult previous campaign. Alongside veteran addition Raheem Mostert, Jeanty was immediately installed as the focal point of a newly re-imagined Raiders offense spearheaded by coordinator Chip Kelly and starting quarterback Geno Smith. Kelly, known historically for building productive rushing attacks during his stints as a head coach, immediately looked to build the offense around Jeanty and star tight end Brock Bowers, cementing the young running back as the foundational engine of the team’s offensive identity.
As Las Vegas turns its attention toward Sunday’s 4:25 PM ET matchup against the Buffalo Bills, the health of the offense’s premier playmaker takes center stage. The Bills enter the weekend boasting a defense that will look to contain the Raiders’ offensive weapons, anchored by an overall quarterback rating against of 91.3. With Kubiak expressing excitement about giving Jeanty even more repetitions and full-speed work in practice this week, the second-year running back appears poised to resume his heavy involvement and anchor the Raiders’ offensive game plan on Sunday afternoon.
