Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and a former Heisman Trophy finalist, saw his workload shrink dramatically in the team's 38-33 victory over the New York Jets in Week 8. Jeanty carried the ball just twice and finished with five total touches — the fewest of his young career — while fellow back Mike Washington Jr. logged a career-high 38 snaps and made his first start of the season over Jeanty.
Reduced Workload in Week 8
Jeanty opened the 2026 season with 29 touches, 102 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins. Since then, his carry total has declined each week. In the Jets game, he had three catches on four targets but only two rushing attempts. Raiders offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak called the snap distribution "my call" and said both players would remain integral to the run and pass game. Jeanty told ESPN, "Whatever it takes for the team to win, I just want to win."
Efficiency Drop and System Fit
Beyond opportunity, Jeanty's per-carry efficiency has fallen. He averages 0.6 fewer yards per carry than his rookie year and is on pace to fall short of his five rushing touchdowns from 2025 despite playing on a higher-scoring offense. The article notes this is Jeanty's fifth consecutive season with a new play caller, and his running style may clash with Kubiak's system, which has a history of splitting carries rather than featuring a bellcow back. Kubiak previously deployed Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet as co-starters in Seattle, a model that could see Washington handle early-down work while Jeanty operates on third downs and in passing situations.
Jeanty's pregame comments about Jets defenders not wanting to tackle drew criticism, including from former Jets coach Rex Ryan. Kubiak said the reduced role was not disciplinary, and Jeanty stated he was informed in advance about the lighter workload. The coaching staff plans to review film and emphasized they "have two runners that we believe in." If Jeanty's per-snap production does not improve, he may settle into a passing-game specialist role — a significant shift from the every-down featured back the Raiders envisioned when they drafted him.
