Raiders Rookie Washington Scored First Touchdown
The Raiders secured a 35-27 victory over the Saints on September 27.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Football
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Las Vegas Raiders fans saw rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. notch his first career touchdown in a 35-27 road win against the New Orleans Saints. The Arkansas product found the end zone on a 36-yard run during the third quarter at the Caesars Superdome.
Why it matters
The performance highlights the development of the Raiders backfield as the rookie continues to earn carries early in his debut season. Washington recorded five carries during the contest, building on his initial usage from the first two games of the year.
Rookie Mike Washington Jr. posted a 36-yard touchdown run as part of a 35-27 Raiders victory. He logged five carries during the game, adding to his season total of 10 carries and 48 yards through his first two professional appearances.
The players
Mike Washington Jr.
The Raiders rookie running back who scored his first career touchdown out of Arkansas.
Klint Kubiak
The Raiders coach who successfully challenged an initial out-of-bounds ruling during the game.
The details
Washington broke the play to the right sideline after waiting for a lane to open at the line of scrimmage. While officials originally ruled he stepped out of bounds at the 1-yard line, Coach Klint Kubiak successfully challenged the call. A video review confirmed the touchdown, officially putting the score on the board late in the third quarter.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: The Raiders defeated the Saints in New Orleans.
Beyond the Strip
The rookie's breakout run improves upon his 7.3 yards-per-carry average established during his 23 preseason attempts. His performance marks a shift in the Raiders' backfield usage as the team looks to sustain offensive momentum.
Fans tracking the team's development can monitor Washington's snap counts in upcoming games to see if his role expands. The rookie's increased efficiency provides a new dynamic for local supporters watching the Raiders' pursuit of a winning record.
The takeaway
The successful challenge by the coaching staff serves as a reminder of the critical role video review now plays in determining scoring outcomes in the NFL. Fans should watch the next game to see if Washington's third-quarter performance leads to a larger share of carries moving forward.
Further reading
For more on team performance and season updates, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
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