Mike Washington Jr. might not have to wait much longer for his opportunity.
And the Raiders might not have much choice about giving it to him.
With Ashton Jeanty held out of Friday’s practice while dealing with foot and ankle injuries, his availability for Sunday’s game against the Patriots is up in the air. Even if he plays, the progression of his practice week makes it reasonable to question how much the 3-1 Raiders can ask of him.
Full participation Wednesday. Limited Thursday. Sidelined Friday.
That does not settle the question of whether Jeanty will suit up in New England. But it puts Washington Jr. squarely in the conversation for a significantly increased workload.
At this point, the Raiders have to prepare the rookie for that responsibility.
Jeanty has been trying to work his way back to full strength since suffering an ankle injury shortly before the season opener. His determination has been obvious. So have the periodic reminders that his body is still putting him through it.
There have been moments when he has gotten up grimacing. After the Chiefs game, he acknowledged he was improving but still working toward being fully healthy.
Now, with a foot injury also listed and his practice participation moving in the wrong direction, the Raiders face a decision that extends beyond whether he can play.
How much can he reasonably give them?
And how much could Washington help?
The rookie spent the preseason providing an enticing glimpse of that answer, rushing for 168 yards on 23 carries and averaging 7.3 yards per attempt. His highlights included a 53-yard run against Arizona and a 33-yard burst against Houston.
He carried that momentum into the regular season and now has 120 yards on 24 carries, including a 36-yard touchdown against the Saints. Washington Jr. is averaging 5 yards per carry.
That said, it’s one thing to produce when the opposing defense is more focused on stopping the leading man — or Jeanty — and entirely different when you are no longer just the understudy.
Still, Washington has shown enough acceleration and big-play ability to make a larger role intriguing.
Especially now.
The Raiders are averaging 3.1 yards per carry and managed just 43 rushing yards on 20 attempts in their loss to the Chiefs. They need something to change, regardless of who is taking the handoffs.
That responsibility still begins up front.
Washington cannot be expected to solve blocking breakdowns simply by replacing Jeanty. If defenders are meeting him in the backfield or closing running lanes before he can reach them, the results are unlikely to look much different.
But giving him more opportunities could help the Raiders find out whether their summer discovery can become a dependable fall contributor.
There is a meaningful difference between occasionally spelling a starter and being entrusted with a substantial share of the offense. Washington could be approaching that transition, with all the responsibilities that accompany it.
Protecting Kirk Cousins. Securing the football. Making the correct reads. Being reliable when the play calls for something other than a carry.
Those details will help determine whether an expanded opportunity becomes an enduring role.
For coach Klint Kubiak, the potential benefit is considerable. A productive Washington could give the running game another answer while easing the burden on a starter who clearly has plenty to manage physically.
With Buffalo and the Rams following New England, the Raiders need both backs capable of helping them through a demanding stretch.
Jeanty’s Friday absence makes the immediate situation more uncertain.
Washington’s assignment should be becoming clearer.
Prepare for more carries, more responsibility and a game that could require considerably more from him than anything that has come before it.
His time to shine could be Sunday.
Whether Jeanty plays or not.
