Raiders Rookie Back Jeanty Cleared to Face Dolphins in Opener After Ankle Scare

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty told reporters Thursday that he expects to be on the field when the team opens its season Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, roughly two weeks after an ankle injury raised concerns during training camp.

Jeanty, describing the ankle as feeling “really good,” said he is eager to return to game action after missing time since going down during an Aug. 23 camp practice. He has now logged two full practices this week following the layoff.

The injury occurred while Jeanty attempted to secure a low pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins, and the initial visual appeared more serious than the eventual diagnosis. The running back said he realized quickly that the setback was minor, despite briefly being unable to put weight on the foot.

“I knew it wasn’t anything too bad,” Jeanty said, speaking to reporters for the first time since the injury. “I figured it wouldn’t be anything that’s too long term.”

His availability is a notable development for a Las Vegas offense that will lean on its backfield against a Miami defense in the season opener. Jeanty’s absence from camp practices had created some uncertainty about his Week 1 status heading into the week.

The game also arrives during a busy stretch for the NFL’s media partners as the new season kicks off. The Walt Disney Company — whose Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences segments include ESPN’s NFL coverage — saw shares trade at $105.82 in recent action, up 1.57% from the previous close of $104.18, giving the company a market capitalization of roughly $181.8 billion. ESPN reporter Ryan McFadden was among those who spoke with Jeanty this week as the opener approached.

For Jeanty, the focus now shifts from recovery to production. The second-year back said the time away from the field was difficult but that rejoining teammates in practice this week made the return feel rewarding heading into Sunday.

What to watch

• Official injury designations from the Raiders ahead of Sunday’s matchup with Miami.
• Jeanty’s snap count and workload in the season opener as he returns from the ankle issue.
• Any post-game updates on his health heading into Week 2.

Source: original release