HENDERSON, Nev. -- Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty's status for the season opener against the Miami Dolphins is uncertain. But general manager John Spytek said the second-year player is in a "good spot" in his recovery from an ankle injury.
"I expect him to be back as quick as he can, maybe quicker than some people would expect," Spytek said Tuesday. "When that is, we'll see."
Jeanty did not practice Tuesday but he was seen on the side field alongside second-year wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr., who was placed on injured reserve. It was the first look of Jeanty since last Sunday, when he was helped off the indoor practice field by trainers after spraining his ankle.
Spytek said Jeanty has been working hard to return to play.
"It's hard to knock him down, and I think he attacks everything with a great mindset," Spytek said. "I don't think that this will be any different for him."
While Jeanty recovers, rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. is the Raiders' top running back. Spytek said Washington had a "great" preseason and that the staff has been excited about the progress the former Arkansas standout has made.
In three preseason games, Washington totaled 23 carries for 168 yards (7.3 per attempt). He had four carries for 10-plus yards.
"We have an expectation that he's going to help us win football games this year," Spytek said.
