Ankle? What Ankle? Ashton Jeanty 'Super Excited' to Spoil Dolphins' Opener

Ankle Watch Is Over

HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Raiders can breathe. Ashton Jeanty can smile. And the Dolphins should probably take notice.

Las Vegas' starting running back said Thursday he feels 'really good' and is 'super excited' to suit up for Sunday's season opener against Miami at Allegiant Stadium.

Jeanty returned to practice Wednesday as a full participant after being sidelined since Aug. 23, when he injured his ankle in a training camp practice. He practiced again Thursday, making it look more and more like he'll be available for Week 1.

For a guy who had to be carried off the field after trying to catch a low pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins, the vibe is night-and-day. It looked ugly. It felt scary. But it wasn't long before Jeanty realized the injury wasn't as bad as the scene suggested.

He said he sighed in relief right after trainers helped him off the field. No panic. No long-term fears. Just rehab and a countdown to Sunday.

'Any time away from the game, it's tough,' Jeanty said. 'But to get back out there, mainly with the guys, man, it felt good.'

He also made it clear he never doubted his Week 1 status.

'I knew it wasn't anything too bad, even though I couldn't put pressure on my foot,' Jeanty said Thursday, his first time speaking with reporters since the injury. '...I figured it wouldn't be anything that's too long-term.'

That's massive for a Raiders offense that needs Jeanty to be a tone-setter. When he went down, it looked like Las Vegas might have to open the season without its starting running back and a vital piece of the attack. Instead, he's back on the practice field and pointing toward Miami.

All eyes now shift to Allegiant Stadium. If Jeanty is moving like himself, the Dolphins' defense has a problem. And the Raiders might have their engine back just in time.