Jeanty's role shrinks as Washington steps up

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty carried the ball only twice during a 38-33 victory over the New York Jets in Week 8. He also recorded three receptions on four targets, totaling five touches. This marked the fewest combined carries and catches of his professional career. The shift in workload leaves the former No. 6 overall pick playing a reduced role on the ground compared to his rookie season.

The change in usage follows a steady decline in Jeanty's rushing opportunities since the start of the 2026 season. He began the year with 29 touches in a game against the Miami Dolphins, amassing 102 rushing yards and 45 receiving yards. Since that initial performance, his carry total has dropped each week. The trend culminated in the matchup at MetLife Stadium, where he served primarily as a receiving option rather than a primary rusher.

Mike Washington Jr. filled the void left by Jeanty's reduced role. The backup running back set a career high with 38 snaps against New York. This game marked the first time this season that Washington started over Jeanty. The distribution of snaps represented a departure from the heavy reliance placed on Jeanty during the 2025 campaign.

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak explained the decision to shift the workload. He stated that the coaching staff wanted to provide Washington with additional opportunities during the game. Kubiak noted that both players will remain integral to the offense in rushing and passing situations. He emphasized that the split was a tactical choice rather than a reaction to any single event.

Jeanty's statistical production has also declined. He currently averages 0.6 fewer yards per carry in 2026 than he did in 2025. Despite playing on a higher-scoring offense, he is on pace to record fewer than five rushing touchdowns this season. His success rate remains similar to last year, but his overall yardage has not matched his previous output.

The reduced role coincided with pregame comments Jeanty made about the Jets' defense. He suggested that several defenders were not fully committed to tackling. While Kubiak said the snap distribution was not disciplinary, Jeanty acknowledged that the staff gave him notice of the reduced touches before the game. He said he did not know if his remarks influenced the decision.

The coaching staff has not confirmed whether the Week 8 snap distribution will continue. Kubiak said the team would review game film before deciding on future roles. He noted that the roster features two runners in whom the staff has confidence. The current setup mirrors a previous system Kubiak employed in Seattle, where he utilized two running backs in distinct roles. One player focused on space and receiving, while the other handled inside runs and pass protection.

If the current trend continues, Jeanty will function more as a receiving specialist. He has already demonstrated success in that capacity, scoring two receiving touchdowns in Week 1 and surpassing 50 receiving yards in four of the subsequent seven games. Washington is positioned to take on a larger share of early-down carries, potentially mirroring the dynamic between Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet during Kubiak's time as offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.