The Raiders have been one of the biggest positive surprises in the early part of the NFL season, starting the year 3-0 before losing to the Chiefs last week. They’ll look to bounce back in Week 5 against the Patriots, but they may be without key contributor Ashton Jeanty, who will be questionable for Sunday’s tilt, per head coach Klint Kubiak.
If Jeanty is out, is his backup Mike Washington Jr. a must-start fantasy football option against the Patriots in New England? Let’s dive in and take a look at the latest updates on Jeanty’s injury situation and how it will impact Washington’s fantasy upside in Week 5.
Ashton Jeanty Injury Update
Ashton Jeanty has been involved and productive this season for the Raiders, averaging 19.2 FPTS per game and posting at least 10 FPTS in every contest. Last week against the Chiefs, he ran for 58 yards on 15 carries, but saved his fantasy day with 68 yards on six catches.
Jeanty was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, but the team listed him on the injury report as dealing with an ankle injury. On Thursday, Jeanty was downgraded to a limited participant and he was now also dealing with a foot injury. Then, on Friday, the former first-round pick didn’t practice at all.
Mike Washington Jr. Fantasy Football Outlook
If Jeanty is out or severely limited against the Patriots, it would set up a good spot for Mike Washington Jr. to step up. Jeanty originally sustained his ankle injury in preseason, and it looked for a few days that Washington would be the feature back. He was drafted in most standard-sized leagues as a result, but he hasn’t had a breakout chance yet.
In Week 1, Washington played 13 snaps (19%) and had played right around that level until setting a new season-high in Week 4 against the Chiefs, playing 18 snaps (21%). He also got his most carries in any game this season, along with his first reception, but he only managed 18 rushing yards on his nine carries and lost two yards on that single catch.
Washington’s best fantasy game was in Week 3 againt the Saints, when he had five carries for 54 rushing yards and this touchdown:
If Washington gets all the work in Week 5, he’ll definitely be a starting option in standard-sized leagues. In this effective offense, he would be a high-end RB2 if Jeanty is ruled out, and worth starting in almost all formats — unless you’re lucky and have two studs at RB and an extremely strong FLEX play.
If Jeanty is able to play, Washington could still be worth a look in deeper leagues based on the fact that he could be in a much more even timeshare. He has shown the ability to produce, and this could be the opportunity he needs to break out.
The Bottom Line: Ashton Jeanty’s injury makes Mike Washington Jr. a top-20 RB in Week 5
If Jenty is out, Washington will be a great starting option in almost all formats, and he’ll be an extreme value in DFS contests like the NFL $2.75M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st] on DraftKings. Washington only has a $4,200 salary, since Jenaty’s injury is a new development, and he will be in a top spot to produce if Jeanty isn’t able to play.
The Patriots are a neutral matchup for RBs, but they have given up plenty of points to the Jaguars and Bills over the last two weeks. With how effective the Raiders’ offense has been, Washington is a great waiver wire addition and a strong plug-and-play option if he gets the start this week.
