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The Las Vegas Raiders selected Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft with expectations of building him into an eventual superstar. However, the running back is experiencing a statistical regression and a significant role decrease in 2026.
Role Reduction in Week 8
During the Raiders’ 38-33 victory over the New York Jets in Week 8, Jeanty carried the ball just twice. He recorded more work as a receiver with three catches on four targets, bringing his total touches to five, the fewest of his career. Mike Washington Jr. set a career high with 38 snaps and became the first Raiders running back to start over Jeanty this season.
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak explained postgame that the snap distribution was his decision. Kubiak stated that Ashton remains a big part of the team, adding that they simply wanted to give Mike more opportunities and that both players will contribute to their rushing and passing success moving ahead.
Efficiency and Scheme Fit
Jeanty opened the 2026 season with 29 touches for 102 rushing yards, 45 receiving yards, and two touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins, but his carry total has declined weekly. He is currently averaging 0.6 fewer yards per carry compared to his rookie campaign and is on pace to fall short of last year’s five rushing touchdowns.
This marks Jeanty’s fifth consecutive year with a new play caller dating back to his college career at Boise State. His running style appears to clash with Kubiak’s system, which historically favors a split backfield rather than a bellcow runner.
As Jeanty told ESPN after the game, he is focused strictly on team success. Jeanty noted that winning is all that matters regardless of his individual touch count.
Addressing Pre-Game Comments
Kubiak stated that the reduction in carries was unrelated to remarks Jeanty made earlier in the week concerning the Jets’ defense. During a media session at the team facility, Jeanty suggested that a couple of players on the opposing team did not want to tackle.
Those comments drew public criticism from former Jets coach Rex Ryan. Jeanty mentioned after the game that coaches had given him advance notice about getting fewer touches, though he remained unsure if his remarks influenced the decision.
Future Outlook for the Backfield
While Kubiak did not confirm whether Washington will retain the starting role moving forward, he noted that the coaching staff will review game film and trusts both runners. If the current split continues, Jeanty may function primarily as a receiving threat rather than an every-down featured back.
This deployment pattern mirrors how Kubiak previously used Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet with the Seattle Seahawks, utilizing co-starters with distinct roles. For Jeanty, improving his per-snap efficiency and maintaining his production as a receiver will be vital to avoiding a permanent reduction in rushing work.
