Raiders Rookie Suffers Injury Setback Just as Bigger Role Awaits

The Las Vegas Raiders were preparing to give rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. more opportunities.

Now an injury could complicate those plans.

Washington missed Thursday's practice because of foot and back injuries after being limited Wednesday, putting his availability for Sunday's home game against the Los Angeles Rams in question.

The setback comes at an especially frustrating time for Washington, who has emerged as a potential solution to the Raiders' struggling rushing attack.

Washington led Las Vegas with 43 rushing yards on nine carries in Sunday's 33-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He also caught one pass for seven yards, finishing with 50 yards from scrimmage on 10 touches.

His performance was enough to earn the attention of coach Klint Kubiak.

Asked earlier this week whether Washington had earned additional opportunities, Kubiak responded, "Yes," according to Sports Illustrated.

Washington has averaged 4.9 yards per carry this season, compared with 3.2 for starting running back Ashton Jeanty.

The difference has become increasingly difficult to ignore as the Raiders search for answers on offense.

Jeanty managed just 22 yards on 10 carries against Buffalo, while Washington provided a spark in limited opportunities.

Washington's emergence has also raised questions about whether the Raiders could be approaching a transition in their backfield.

But his latest injuries could delay any potential increase in playing time.

According to the Raiders' official injury report, Washington was limited Wednesday before sitting out Thursday's practice entirely.

His status for Sunday's game remains uncertain.

If Washington cannot play, Jeanty could be asked to handle a larger workload, with Dylan Laube potentially moving into a more prominent reserve role.

That would leave Kubiak with fewer options as he attempts to revive a running game that has struggled to generate consistent production.

The Raiders have already faced questions about continuing to rely on Jeanty while he battles injuries.

Washington appeared to be giving them another option.

Now the rookie's health has become another concern heading into Sunday's matchup.

Las Vegas will release its final injury report Friday, providing a clearer indication of whether Washington will be available against Los Angeles.