Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty’s status was initially up in the air for his team’s Week 5 matchup with the New England Patriots, but Ian Rapoport of NFL media has reported Jeanty is active and available for the team’s road game at Gillette Stadium.
The update brought clarity after a tense week of injury monitoring that had left Jeanty’s status uncertain heading into kickoff.
Earlier in the day, Rapoport had reported that the second-year back was hopeful of playing despite missing practice late in the week because of a flare-up of plantar fasciitis in addition to an ongoing ankle issue.
The situation was not locked in, and Jeanty was expected to test his body during pregame workouts before a final decision.
Las Vegas had elevated an extra running back as a precaution, with Mike Washington Jr. positioned to handle a heavier workload if Jeanty could not go.
Jeanty’s ankle trouble dates back to August, when he suffered a sprain that raised questions about his availability for the season opener.
He managed the issue through the first four weeks, but a foot problem was added to the injury report as the week progressed.
He practiced fully on Wednesday, was limited Thursday, and did not participate Friday, drawing a questionable designation on the final injury report.
Head coach Klint Kubiak offered little detail publicly, noting that it is simply the time of year when players absorb wear.
The former Boise State star arrived in the NFL as the sixth overall pick in the 2025 draft after a historic college season that included 2,601 rushing yards and a Heisman Trophy runner-up finish.
Through four games in 2026, he has carried 78 times for 264 yards at a modest 3.4 yards per attempt with no rushing touchdowns, while adding 19 receptions for 165 yards and two scores.
His efficiency has lagged behind the explosive production that defined his college tape, yet he remains a central piece of an offense that has helped the Raiders open 3-1 under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak and quarterback Kirk Cousins.
Sunday’s matchup carries weight for both clubs. The Raiders are looking to rebound from a 30-27 home loss to the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs last week and stay competitive in the AFC West.
New England sits at 2-2 and will host at Gillette Stadium with a kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS. With Jeanty cleared, Las Vegas retains its primary backfield option as it tries to generate more consistent production on the ground against a Patriots defense that has shown early-season competence.
Whether the plantar fasciitis flare-up limits Jeanty’s burst or snap count remains to be seen once the game begins. For now, the short confirmation from Rapoport removes the immediate cloud over the Raiders’ most important skill-position player.
