Mike Washington Jr. should have heavy workload vs. Patriots
Ashton Jeanty was officially listed as ‘limited’ at Thursday’s practice and missed practice on Friday with a foot injury. Following practice, the Raiders officially listed Jeanty as ‘questionable’ for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.
For about six weeks, Jeanty has been nursing an injury he suffered to his right ankle in August, but on Sunday a Chiefs’ defender came down on Jeanty’s left ankle in what could have qualified as a hip drop tackle.
As discussed earlier in the week, Jeanty’s leg injuries are starting to pile up, and he hasn’t looked as explosive since the first three quarters against the Dolphins in week one.
For Mike Washington Jr., Sunday’s game in New England should present a big opportunity for the rookie running back to live up to the hype he has earned in preseason and the first four weeks of the season.
Washington is averaging 5.0 yards per carry this year on just 24 carries, and it will be interesting to see how he responds to an uptick in carries.
The Patriots rank 14th in the NFL in run defense but are giving up 4.4 yards per carry on the season.
Patriots also dealing with injuries
On Friday morning, the Patriots ruled out CB Carlton Davis, WR Mack Hollins, FB Reggie Gilliam and, most notably, CB Christian Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is widely considered the top cornerback in the league and for the second consecutive year, he’s going to miss the Patriots’ matchup with the Raiders.
Rhamondre Stevenson is the Patriots leading rusher this year and has been nursing a knee injury, but Stevenson told reporters on Friday he’ll be “ready to go” on Sunday.
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He should’ve been getting the bulk of the work two weeks ago. Coaches watch film. Sometimes he gotta shut a guy down. If not for his own good for the good of the team. He needs to be glued to the Pine.