Ashton Jeanty’s Knee Injury Changes the Raiders Backfield Immediately

Until we get an actual diagnosis on Ashton Jeanty’s knee, I’m not drafting him.

That could change quickly if the Raiders get good news.

But right now we know Jeanty suffered an apparent knee injury, needed help leaving practice and reportedly couldn’t put pressure on the leg.

I’m not spending a first-round fantasy pick while that level of uncertainty exists.

The player I’m moving aggressively in the other direction is Mike Washington Jr.

I’m Moving Washington to Around No. 105 Overall

Washington was being drafted around the RB55 range before Jeanty got hurt.

I’d move him to roughly:

No. 105 overall

and approximately:

RB35-40

until we know more.

That puts him in the 10th/11th-round area of a 10-team league.

I think that’s worth paying for the upside.

The Raiders traded up to take Washington in the fourth round, and he already looked like the clear young back behind Jeanty.

He also fits what Klint Kubiak wants to do.

Kubiak’s History Matters

Kubiak has shown he can give a lead back huge volume.

Dalvin Cook had 283 touches in 13 games when Kubiak was Minnesota’s offensive coordinator in 2021.

But Kubiak has also shown he’s comfortable using two running backs.

Alexander Mattison still had 166 touches behind Cook that season.

Then in Seattle last year:

Kenneth Walker III • 252 touches • 1,309 yards from scrimmage

Zach Charbonnet • 204 touches • 12 rushing touchdowns

That was 456 combined touches for the two backs.

So if Jeanty misses time, I don’t automatically expect Washington to get every touch.

But I absolutely believe Kubiak can give him enough work to matter for fantasy.

The Raiders Could Still Add Someone

This is also why I’d watch the transaction wire.

Washington can become very valuable while the Raiders still bring in another running back.

Those ideas aren’t mutually exclusive.

Kubiak’s Seattle offense supported Walker and Charbonnet at the same time.

If Jeanty is facing a longer absence, Las Vegas adding another veteran would make plenty of sense.

But Washington would still be the player I want to bet on first.

My Current Ranking Reaction

Ashton Jeanty: DO NOT DRAFT until we have a diagnosis.

I’m not guessing ACL, MCL or anything else.

I simply don’t want first-round injury uncertainty.

Mike Washington Jr.: UP to around No. 105 overall / RB35-40.

If Jeanty gets good news, Washington moves back down.

If Jeanty is expected to miss significant time, Washington could move much higher than 105.

That’s why I want to get ahead of the market now rather than wait until everybody has the same information.