Ashton Jeanty's Friday Downgrade is a Massive Red Flag for the Raiders

There are few things in the NFL news cycle more ominous than the dreaded Friday practice downgrade.

According to ESPN's Field Yates, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty went from a limited practice participant on Thursday to a straight-up DNP on Friday thanks to a lingering ankle issue. He is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's road trip to face the New England Patriots.

"According to ESPN's Field Yates, Jeanty went from limited on Thursday to a DNP during practice on Friday because of his ankle issue."

For anyone holding a fantasy roster or staring at a weekend betting slip, a Friday DNP is the football equivalent of getting a "we need to talk" text. It rarely ends with you having a good weekend.

Usually, players use Friday to test out an injury and prove they can go. Going backward from limited reps to watching in sweatpants is a massive red flag for his availability.

The timing is brutal for Las Vegas. The Raiders are trying to bounce back from a tight 30-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week, and they desperately need their ground game to travel.

Meanwhile, the Patriots are suddenly feeling dangerous after pulling off a 29-26 upset over the Buffalo Bills. New England's defense will gladly take the break if the Raiders' backfield is operating at half capacity.

The betting markets will undoubtedly shift as the reality of Jeanty's ankle sets in. Ankle injuries for running backs are already a nightmare for cutting and exploding through the hole, meaning he would likely be compromised even if he somehow suits up.

Expect a final decision to drag out until the inactive lists drop 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday. Until then, you might want to start scrolling the waiver wire for a backup plan.