Raiders Consider Major Decision on Ashton Jeanty Amid Injury Concerns

The Las Vegas Raiders got off to a hot start to kick off the NFL season, rolling to three straight wins over the Dolphins, Chargers, and Saints under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak.

But after back-to-back losses against more competitive opponents, the Chiefs and Patriots, the Raiders have come back down to earth. A narrow 30-27 loss to Kansas City isn't all that bad, but getting blown out 45-17 to New England at home is brutal. And what's most concerning about the Patriots loss is that Ashton Jeanty couldn't get going at all, rushing for just 27 yards on 10 carries.

Apparently, Jeanty's injury could be part of the problem. ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Wednesday that the Raiders have internally discussed whether to give Jeanty a week off at some point to truly heal from the foot and ankle injuries that have hampered him since the start of the season. Jeanty reportedly doesn't want to take time off and has pushed to play through the injuries.

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Jeanty sustained an ankle injury in late August, and the problem resurfaced during Vegas' Week 4 loss to Kansas City. He finished that game with just 58 rushing yards on 15 carries (3.9 yards per carry), and came into Sunday's matchup against New England questionable after missing Friday's practice session.

Jeanty ultimately played through the injury, but averaged just 2.7 yards per carry. Through five games, he has 291 rushing yards and 215 receiving yards, but is averaging a mere 3.3 yards per carry. He's repeatedly said that the ankle hasn't affected his performance, but the combination of that with his new foot injury (plantar fasciitis) could be limiting his explosiveness.

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At 3-2, the Raiders have shown promise, and with star tight end Brock Bowers back in the lineup, the passing attack has been strong. But every good football team is built on a strong run game, and if Jeanty is holding them back with his injuries, it might be best to sideline him and let him fully heal before unleashing him later in the season.

Las Vegas next hosts the Bills before matchups against the Rams, Jets, and 49ers. That's a tough slate if Jeanty were to miss, even if rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. has shown flashes.