The Las Vegas Raiders elevated running back Roman Hemby from the practice squad on Saturday, October 10, adding backfield insurance with starter Ashton Jeanty listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at New England because of ankle and foot injuries, Ian Rapoport reported.
The move is a signal that the Raiders are preparing for the possibility of playing without the second-year back, who has started all four games this season. The team has not said whether Jeanty will be active.
With Ashton Jeanty questionable because of foot and ankle injuries, the #Raiders elevated RB Roman Hemby.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 10, 2026
A worsening week
Jeanty’s practice reports moved in the wrong direction. He was a full participant on Wednesday, limited on Thursday, when the foot injury first appeared on the report, and did not practice on Friday, the team’s last session before flying east.
Coach Klint Kubiak did not explain how or when Jeanty was hurt. He said Friday that the running back would travel, and that “if he can’t go, then we got to get the next man up.”
The ankle has been a concern before. Jeanty seemed to tweak it during the third quarter last Sunday, when Kansas City won 30–27 in Las Vegas, yet he stayed in the game, and he dealt with an ankle injury in late August that he has said did not affect his play.
Jeanty’s season and the depth chart
Jeanty has 78 carries for 264 yards, an average of 3.4, without a rushing touchdown. He has been more productive as a receiver, with 19 catches for 165 yards and two scores.
If he cannot play, the most experienced option is Mike Washington Jr., the fourth-round rookie, with 24 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown. Hemby, an undrafted rookie who was among the Raiders’ final cuts in August before returning to the practice squad, would add depth.
The Raiders have also ruled out receivers Jalen Nailor (concussion) and Dont’e Thornton Jr. (hamstring), plus guard Trey Zuhn III (knee). Tight end Brock Bowers has no injury designation and is expected to play.
The Patriots’ injuries
New England has injury problems of its own. Starting cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis are out, and receiver Mack Hollins and fullback Reggie Gilliam went on injured reserve on Saturday. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson and defensive tackle Christian Barmore are questionable. Quarterback Drake Maye, who practiced fully despite a right shoulder issue, has no designation.
What comes next
The Raiders visit the Patriots at 1:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, October 11, at Gillette Stadium; follow it on the Game Center. Inactive lists are due 90 minutes before kickoff. Las Vegas then hosts Buffalo on Sunday, October 18.
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