Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty expects to play in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins after suffering an ankle injury during practice last month.
Jeanty said Thursday from the locker room that he’s feeling “really good” after returning to practice this week, via the team’s official website.
“It felt good for sure,” he said of returning to practice. “Any time away from the game is tough. But getting back out there with the guys felt good for sure.
“I’m just super excited to go out there and play a good game with this team against the Dolphins. I’m very excited.”
Jeanty’s official status will come later on Friday, but given that he was a full participant both Wednesday and Thursday, it would be a surprise at this point if he was anything but full-go.
After Jeanty went down during practice on Aug. 23, there was immediate speculation that he could miss a little – or a lot – of time. Looking ready for Week 1, the former first-rounder avoided all of that.
“Nerve-wracking first going down, but when I popped up I had a sigh of relief,” Jeanty said. “I knew it wasn’t anything too bad.”
With star tight end Brock Bowers slated to miss time, Jeanty being ready to go would be a boon for a Raiders squad looking to get off on a positive first step under new coach Klint Kubiak.