Ashton Jeanty Takes Larger Receiving Role for Raiders
The running back is emerging as a key pass-catching threat as the team remains near the bottom of the league in rushing.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football
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Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty is increasingly functioning as a receiver as the offense struggles to find momentum on the ground. The team currently ranks 31st in the NFL in rushing production.
Why it matters
The team continues to lean on Jeanty as a pass-catcher to compensate for a rushing attack that averages just 3.0 yards per attempt. This strategic shift reflects the difficulty of moving the ball against defensive fronts that frequently stack the box.
The Raiders rank 31st in the league with 74.7 rushing yards per game. Ashton Jeanty has contributed 34 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns this season, compared to 328 rushing yards on 106 carries.
The players
Ashton Jeanty
The Raiders running back who has seen increased utilization in the receiving game.
Klint Kubiak
The offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The details
Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has pivoted to using Jeanty as a receiver to mitigate the team's struggles in the run game. Despite the adjustment, the Raiders fell 35-21 to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7, where Jeanty recorded 61 receiving yards on eight catches. The offense currently faces loaded defensive boxes at the second-highest rate in the NFL, complicating efforts to establish a traditional rushing attack.
Timeline
The 2026 NFL regular season is currently underway.
The Raiders lost 35-21 to the Los Angeles Rams during Week 7.
Beyond the Strip
The team’s reliance on Ashton Jeanty as a receiver follows the broader NFL trend of utilizing dual-threat running backs to bypass defensive schemes designed to stop the run. This approach marks a departure from traditional ground-heavy offensive identities in the league.
Fans watching the games should keep an eye on how the offense handles loaded defensive fronts in upcoming matchups. The team's ability to maintain offensive rhythm through the air rather than the ground remains the key factor in future scoring potential.
The takeaway
The Raiders are currently failing to establish a consistent rushing attack, forcing an over-reliance on Ashton Jeanty as a receiver. Monitor the team's ability to diversify play-calling in future games to see if they can move beyond this heavy dependence on screen and pass plays.
Further reading
For more updates on the season, check the latest Football news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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Should coaches adjust player positions when offensive strategies consistently fail to produce results?
