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Could Klint Kubiak’s Love of Mike Washington Lead to a Bigger Role?
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- Could Klint Kubiak’s Love of Mike Washington Lead to a Bigger Role?
Ashton Jeanty is recovering from an ankle injury with less than two weeks before the start of the season. The door is open for Mike Washington to create a role in the offense.
Washington was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Raiders. It is a pick that the head coach himself wanted.
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"I'll give coach (Klint) Kubiak a lot of credit for this one," general manager John Spytek told the media. "He stood on a table for that kid at the start of day three. This is the perfect scheme fit. We can make this player into a good player. He has what we're looking for."
Washington has shown promise already. He ran for 168 yards in three preseason games, averaging over seven yards per carry. So far Kubiak's advance looks well thought out.
Jeanty's Injury
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt (58) and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (54) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Washington's role will largely depend on Jeanty's health.
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The starting running back hurt his ankle on Aug. 23, but the Raiders have yet to put an actual timeline on Jeanty's return. Las Vegas only has three running backs on the active roster , indicating Jeanty could be ready for Week 1.
Spytek, without giving any specifics, thinks Jeanty will be back in a hurry.
"I expect him to be back as quick as he can," Spytek said. "Maybe quicker than some people would expect. When that is, we'll see."
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Even if Jeanty is ready to go at the start of the season, Las Vegas should take it easy with one of its foundational pieces . Washington has shown he is capable of taking on more than a backup's role.
Will the Raiders trust Washington?
When the Raiders are trying to win games, it might be hard to rely on a fourth-round rookie.
"Mike certainly had a great preseason," Spytek said. "Nobody is taking that away from him. But it gets very real, very fast here now."
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Jeanty was taken in the top 10 of the 2025 draft. His draft capital alone will lead to him seeing the field as much as possible.
Whenever Washington gets an opportunity, he will have to make the most of it to usurp carries from Jeanty . And to prove his head coach was right to get up on that table.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
