LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Raiders finally received some good news on the injury front Wednesday. Hours after learning that All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers underwent a knee procedure and will miss the beginning of the season, second-year running back Ashton Jeanty returned to practice as a full participant a major indication that he is on track to play in Sunday’s season opener against the Miami Dolphins.
According to the Raiders’ first official injury report of the season, Jeanty was listed as a full participant with an ankle injury, while Bowers did not practice because of his knee. For an offense preparing to begin the Kirk Cousins era without its best receiving weapon, Jeanty’s return couldn’t have come at a better time.
Jeanty Back After Preseason Scare
Jeanty had been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during an Aug. 23 practice. The injury initially created significant concern after Jeanty had difficulty putting pressure on his right leg while leaving the field. The diagnosis eventually proved less severe, and the Raiders remained optimistic that their starting running back could return in time for Week 1.
Wednesday provided their strongest indication yet. Jeanty didn’t simply return on a limited basis. He participated fully. Now the Raiders will monitor how his ankle responds throughout the remainder of the practice week, but barring a setback, everything appears to be moving toward Jeanty being available against Miami.
That’s especially important considering what Las Vegas learned earlier Wednesday.
Raiders Need Jeanty More Than Ever
The Raiders entered Wednesday facing the possibility of beginning the season without two of their most important young offensive players. By the end of practice, the outlook looked considerably better.
Bowers won’t be there. Jeanty increasingly looks like he will. The next few days will determine whether his ankle responds without any setbacks, but completing a full practice after weeks on the sideline represents a significant hurdle cleared.
Las Vegas will undoubtedly be cautious with a player it views as a foundational piece of its offense. But with Bowers unavailable and Cousins preparing for his Raiders debut, Jeanty’s return gives Kubiak something he desperately needed heading into Week 1: Another difference-maker.
Raiders Lose Brock Bowers for Season Opener After Knee Procedure
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
