Ashton Jeanty poised for greater role as Raiders face Commanders
Ashton Jeanty, the standout rookie running back for the Las Vegas Raiders, is currently leading all first-year players in carries after two weeks of the NFL season. Yet, there remains a palpable sense that the Raiders have yet to fully tap into his potential. The anticipation around Jeanty’s usage is growing, especially as both head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly addressed the issue this week, providing a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see more of the former Boise State star on the field.
Coaching Insight on Increased Workload
Carroll expressed optimism about Jeanty’s future contributions, indicating that the rookie’s workload is set to increase in the upcoming weeks. According to reports, he aims for Jeanty to see an additional eight to nine snaps, ideally pushing his carries to around 20 per game. This is promising news for a player who has already shown flashes of his capability.
Jeanty himself is eager to take on a larger role. “I don’t think you draft a guy like me to not give me carries and touches,” he stated confidently. His readiness to shoulder the responsibility reflects a determination that resonates with those in the organization.
Pacing for Success
Kelly elaborated on his approach to managing player workloads, emphasizing the importance of balancing performance with player longevity. “If you play [tight end] Brock [Bowers] and Ashton, or any of those guys, every play in every game, by the time you get to Game 8, you’re not going to have guys left,” he explained. The philosophy underscores a strategic mindset, recognizing that sustaining a player’s health over 17 games is crucial. Kelly’s comments highlight the challenge of maximizing impact while ensuring players remain available throughout the season.
A Critical Matchup Ahead
As the Raiders prepare for a pivotal Week 3 clash against the 1-1 Washington Commanders—who will be without quarterback Jayden Daniels—the opportunity for a significant victory looms large. The Raiders, sitting at 1-1, could greatly benefit from leaning into their rookie running back. With the Commanders facing adversity, this matchup presents a prime chance for Jeanty to showcase his skills and help secure a much-needed road win for Las Vegas.
As the week unfolds, all eyes will be on Jeanty and how the Raiders choose to utilize their promising rookie in a game that could set the tone for the rest of their season.
