Raiders Spin Ashton Jeanty's Sprained Ankle as a Win, But Week 1 is a Mystery

The Las Vegas Raiders are currently trying to sell a sprained ankle as a massive victory, which tells you everything you need to know about the panic of August football.

Ian Rapoport reported that the team got "good news" on running back Ashton Jeanty’s ankle. The good news is that his leg is still structurally sound after an awkward practice dive. The bad news is his status for Week 1 is completely up in the air.

"Ian Rapoport reported that the Raiders got 'good news' on Jeanty's ankle, though his Week 1 status remains up in the air."

Jeanty is the undisputed engine of this offense. He racked up 975 rushing yards and caught 55 passes last season, finding the end zone 10 total times. Losing that kind of dual-threat production to a practice-field hustle play is the exact reason coaches lose sleep in the preseason.

Now the Raiders have to figure out if they can patch him up in time for their August 28 opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Trying to establish the run against that defensive front without your 22-year-old star is basically volunteering for a three-hour root canal.

For anyone holding a Week 1 ticket or staring at Jeanty in their fantasy draft queue, this is pure agony. A Grade 2 sprain means he avoided the worst-case scenario, but ankles are notoriously stubborn and rarely care about your schedule.

Expect the Raiders to play this close to the vest right up until kickoff. Until Jeanty is actually cutting on grass, you better have a backup plan ready.