Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) hands off the football to running back Ashtin Jeanty (left) during practice camp in Henderson NV on Thu Jul 30, 2026 (AP News photo)
Las Vegas Raiders podcast Rich Perez:
#1 Ashton Jeanty suffers a major injury scare at practice Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty left Sunday’s practice after an awkward landing while diving for a pass. He initially could not put weight on his right leg and had to be helped off the field. Update: Reports on Monday indicated Jeanty is believed to have suffered a sprained ankle and is not expected to face a long-term absence.
#2 Raiders focus on fixing defensive and special-teams problems Sunday’s padded practice emphasized tackling, technique and self-correction after the Raiders’ preseason game against Houston exposed issues on defense and special teams. The team’s official training-camp report highlighted the need for rapid improvement with the regular season approaching.#1
#3 Mike Washington Jr. emerges as the potential next man up With Jeanty’s injury creating uncertainty, rookie RB Mike Washington Jr. is suddenly in the spotlight. He has impressed during camp and the preseason, making him the obvious candidate for an increased workload if Jeanty misses time.
#4 Raiders’ roster decisions become increasingly urgent The club is entering the final stretch before the Aug. 30 deadline to reach a 53-man roster. Competition is particularly intense among young defensive backs and other bubble players, making the final preseason game especially important.
#5 Fernando Mendoza’s preseason performance remains a major storyline The No. 1 overall pick had an uneven showing in the Raiders’ 22–20 comeback win over Houston, including a pick-six, but the team’s response afterward has kept the rookie QB’s development firmly in the spotlight. Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins took the first-team reps in Sunday’s practice, reinforcing his status as the expected Week 1 starter.
Rich Perez filled in for Tony Renteria who does the Las Vegas Raiders podcast each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com
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