Mike Washington Jr. Likely to Get Increased Opportunity
The chance for Mike Washington Jr. to step into a bigger role might come sooner than expected.
With Ashton Jeanty sitting out of practice on Friday due to foot and ankle issues, it’s uncertain if he will be ready for the upcoming game against the Patriots. Even if he does play, it’s fair to wonder how much the 3-1 Raiders can rely on him considering his practice week has been inconsistent.
He fully participated on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday, and then did not practice at all on Friday.
That situation doesn’t clarify whether Jeanty will actually play in New England, but it certainly pushes Washington Jr. into serious consideration for a larger workload.
At this juncture, the Raiders need to prepare their rookie for that potential responsibility.
Jeanty has been working hard to return to full fitness ever since an ankle injury kept him from going full speed before the season started. His drive has been evident, although he’s also had reminders of his physical limitations along the way.
There have been times when he’s stood up, clearly in pain. After facing the Chiefs, he mentioned he’s on the mend, yet still not completely healthy.
Now, with an additional foot injury complicating things and his practice participation declining, the Raiders are faced with a decision that’s more than just about his playing status.
How much can he realistically contribute at this point?
And how beneficial could Washington be as a substitute?
The rookie has already showcased his potential in the preseason, racking up 168 rushing yards on 23 carries and averaging an impressive 7.3 per attempt. Highlights include a 53-yard run against Arizona and another 33-yard gain against Houston.
He has carried that success into the regular season, tallying 120 yards on 24 carries, including a 36-yard touchdown against the Saints. Washington Jr. has been averaging 5 yards per carry.
But, of course, there’s a difference between performing when defenses are focusing on stopping the main player—and being the primary playmaker yourself.
Despite that, Washington has demonstrated his acceleration and potential for big plays, which makes the idea of giving him more chances enticing.
Especially at this moment.
The Raiders are only averaging 3.1 yards per carry and managed a mere 43 rushing yards on 20 attempts in their recent loss to the Chiefs. Regardless of who’s taking the handoffs, they clearly need to make a change.
But that starts up front.
Transitioning from Jeanty to Washington won’t simply fix blocking issues. If defenders are meeting him too soon or closing gaps before he can get going, the outcomes aren’t likely to be much different.
However, giving him added opportunities might help the Raiders assess if their promising summer find can evolve into a reliable contributor this fall.
There’s a significant difference between occasionally filling in for a starter and being tasked with a meaningful role in the offense. Washington could be on the brink of making that leap, along with all the new responsibilities that come with it.
Those include protecting Kirk Cousins, taking care of the football, making smart decisions, and being dependable when the play calls for more than just carrying the ball.
All these elements will be essential in determining if a broader opportunity leads to a lasting role.
For coach Klint Kubiak, the potential upside is substantial. An effective Washington could bolster the running game while lightening the load for a starter who has plenty to manage physically.
As the Raiders face tough opponents like Buffalo and the Rams after New England, they need both backs to be ready for a demanding stretch.
Jeanty’s absence on Friday has certainly introduced some uncertainty to the immediate situation.
Meanwhile, Washington’s role is becoming clearer.
He should prepare for increased carries, heightened responsibility, and a game that might require more from him than anything he has experienced to date.
This could be his moment to shine, whether Jeanty is on the field or not.
