As the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for the 2026 NFL season, the spotlight is on their running back situation, particularly in light of Ashton Jeanty's recent ankle injury. Jeanty, who has been a pivotal player in the Raiders' backfield, sustained the injury during practice on August 23 while attempting to catch a low pass. The incident raised immediate concerns among teammates and coaches, especially as Jeanty struggled to put weight on his right foot.
Fortunately for the Raiders, initial assessments suggest that Jeanty has avoided a serious injury. The team’s decision not to place him on injured reserve during the recent roster cuts indicates optimism about his recovery. This is a relief not only for Jeanty but also for the Raiders, who are looking to build a strong running game this season. In contrast, third-round draft pick Keyron Crawford has not been as fortunate, as he was placed on season-ending injured reserve following a significant ankle injury during the preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Raiders' current roster includes Jeanty, rookie Mike Washington Jr., and Dylan Laube, providing a mix of talent and potential as they head into the season. Head coach Klint Kubiak expressed confidence in Jeanty’s recovery, stating, “He’s still on the mend and we’re still working to get him back. We got another week to assess how he’s going to look going into this first game, but we’re counting on him.”
This injury situation has led to an important question regarding Kubiak's offensive scheme: Is it adaptable enough for any running back? The answer appears to be no. While Kubiak’s offense is rooted in the Shanahan-Kubiak wide-zone system, known for transforming lower-round draft picks and undrafted players into effective contributors, it demands a specific skill set from its running backs.
One of the key components of Kubiak's offense is the alignment of running backs. Unlike traditional formations, Kubiak’s system employs pre-snap motions and various formations that require running backs to be versatile, often lining up as receivers or in the slot. This complexity is designed to create mismatches against defenses and requires running backs to be proficient route runners, as they frequently rank among the top players in targets and receptions in Kubiak's offense.
In terms of skill sets, Jeanty, Washington, and Laube possess the necessary attributes to thrive in this system. Laube, in particular, has shown promise as a receiving back during the preseason, demonstrating a level of confidence that has improved under Kubiak's guidance. However, the ability to pass protect is equally critical in this offense. Running backs must effectively handle complex blocking schemes against a variety of defensive fronts, which can be challenging given the speed and complexity of NFL defenses.
Kubiak's offensive philosophy also emphasizes decisiveness in running. The one-cut running style that is essential to the zone blocking scheme requires running backs to make quick decisions without hesitation. This was evident in Jeanty’s limited preseason carries and Washington’s impressive performance, where he showcased his ability to make quick cuts and accelerate through openings.
Moreover, Kubiak has shown flexibility in his approach, incorporating gap and power schemes to better suit the strengths of his players. Washington, who transitioned from a gap-heavy system in college, has been given opportunities to adapt within Kubiak’s zone system, allowing him to develop his skills while maintaining the integrity of the overall offensive strategy.
As the Raiders prepare to implement Kubiak's system with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and the highly touted No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, establishing a reliable ground game will be crucial. A successful running attack will not only enhance the effectiveness of play-action passes but also require seamless coordination among the offensive line, quarterbacks, and receivers. Ultimately, the adaptability of Kubiak’s offense will be tested as the season unfolds, particularly in how well the running backs can execute their roles within this intricate system.
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