Raiders need to make big decision after Ashton Jeantys injuries worsen
Mike Washington Jr.might not have to wait much longer for his opportunity.And the Raiders might not have much choice about giving it to him.With Ashton Jeanty held out of Friday’s practice while dealing with foot and ankle injuries, his availability for Sunday’s game against the Patriots is up in the air.
Even if he plays, the progression of his practice week makes it reasonable to question how much the 3-1 Raiders can ask of him.Full participation Wednesday.Limited Thursday.
Sidelined Friday.That does not settle the question of whether Jeanty will suit up in New England.But it puts Washington Jr.
squarely in the conversation for a significantly increased workload.At this point, the Raiders have to prepare the rookie for that responsibility.Jeanty has been trying to work his way back to full strength since suffering an ankle injury shortly before the season opener.His determination has been obvious.
So have the periodic reminders that his body is still putting him through it.There have been moments when he has gotten up grimacing.After the Chiefs game, he acknowledged he was improving but still working toward being fully healthy.Now, with a foot injury also listed and his practice participation moving in the wrong direction, the Raiders face a decision that extends beyond whether he can play.How much can he reasonably give them?And how much could Washington help?The rookie spent the preseason providing an enticing glimpse of that answer, rushing for 168 yards on 23 carries and averaging 7.3 yards per attempt.
His highlights included a 53-yard run against Arizona and a 33-yard burst against Houston.He carried that momentum into the regular season and now has 120 yards on 24 carries, including a 36-yard touchdown against the Saints.Washington Jr.
is averaging 5 yards per carry.That said, it’s one thing to produce when the opposing defense is more focused on stopping the leading man — or Jeanty — and entirely different when you are no longer just the un...