Overview
- Mike Washington Jr. said after rookie minicamp that he expects to open as Ashton Jeanty’s backup and plans to learn from the veteran.
- First-year coach Klint Kubiak is installing a two-back setup that mirrors his Seattle approach with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.
- The Raiders drafted Washington in the fourth round at No. 122, and his 6-foot-1, 223-pound frame and zone-run chops fit Kubiak’s scheme.
- Jeanty enters year two as the lead back after 266 carries for 975 yards and five rushing touchdowns in 2025, setting a high usage baseline.
- Analysts are weighing possible goal-line shifts that could cap Jeanty’s touchdowns, while UDFA Roman Hemby is flagged as a live challenger for backup snaps.