Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. is making a positive impression on the Las Vegas Raiders coaching staff as the team navigates a preseason injury to Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty sprained his ankle over the weekend, and his return timeline is currently uncertain.
Washington, a fourth-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, has been a bright spot for the Raiders. Head coach Klint Kubiak noted Washington's rapid development, stating he has done a "phenomenal job of growing up really fast." Kubiak added that Washington understands the team is counting on him to get up to speed quickly on protections, offensive fronts, blitzes, and routes, and has approached the situation with maturity.
Washington Jr. was initially expected to serve in short-yardage situations and provide relief for Jeanty. Now, with Jeanty sidelined, the Raiders will rely more heavily on Washington, who was the SEC's fourth-leading rusher last year at Arkansas, accumulating 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns. He has shown promise in two preseason games, rushing for 119 yards on 15 carries while sharing snaps with the Raiders' starters. His most significant play came in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, where he recorded a 53-yard run in the second quarter.
Washington's emergence is part of a larger trend of rookies expected to contribute to the Raiders this season. The team's recent draft class includes top overall pick Fernando Mendoza, safety Treydan Stukes, and cornerback Jermod McCoy, who was a projected first-round talent before an injury impacted his draft stock.
Washington will have another opportunity to showcase his abilities in the Raiders' preseason finale against the 49ers on Thursday night.