HENDERSON, Nev. -- Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, who had to be helped off the practice field Sunday, is believed to have sprained his ankle, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The Raiders still are unsure how long Jeanty will be out, but it is not considered a long-term injury.
The Raiders declined comment.
During the team practice period Sunday, Jeanty ran a route and dove for the football, which was thrown low by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Jeanty landed awkwardly on the turf grass inside the practice facility and stayed on the ground before being helped off the field by athletic trainers.
As he was being helped off, Jeanty couldn't put pressure on his right leg. His teammates took a knee and said a prayer after Jeanty exited the field.
Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. took the first-team reps for the remainder of practice. Washington, who has had a strong training camp, was alternating starting reps with Jeanty before the injury.
Jeanty was selected with the sixth pick in the 2025 NFL draft. He started 17 games as a rookie, rushing for 975 yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries. He also had 55 catches for 346 yards and five touchdowns.
He is expected to be a key figure in Year 2, as the Raiders want to be run heavy under first-time head coach Klint Kubiak. Jeanty appeared in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, but he and other projected starters did not play in the preseason win over the Houston Texans on Thursday.
The Raiders' running back depth beyond Jeanty consists of Washington, Dylan Laube, undrafted rookie Roman Hemby and Dare Ogunbowale.
Las Vegas opens the season against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13.