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2026 NFL backfield

Las Vegas Raiders running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Ashton Jeanty

Preferred handcuff

Mike Washington Jr.

Washington is listed directly behind Jeanty.

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Ashton Jeanty’s handcuff breakdown

Week 1 analysis published .

How the work could change

Las Vegas’ official Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Ashton Jeanty first, Mike Washington Jr. second and Dylan Laube third. Washington is the strongest next-man-up choice.

Las Vegas’ official Sept. 8 Week 1 depth chart lists Ashton Jeanty first, Mike Washington Jr. second and Dylan Laube third. Washington is the strongest next-man-up choice.

  • availability_unverified
  • stale_availability
  • committee risk

The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Las Vegas Raiders, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Thu, Sep 10, 8:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Las Vegas Raiders full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Ashton JeantyPublished starter
Three-down back2025 · Round 1 · Pick 6active
RB2
Mike Washington Jr.Published handcuff
Early-down runner1975 · Round 3 · Pick 53active
RB3
Dylan Laube
Receiving back2024 · Round 6 · Pick 208active
RB4
Chris Collier
Role under review2024 · Undraftedinjured reserve
FB1
Connor Heyward
Fullback2022 · Round 6 · Pick 208active
Unlisted
Dare Ogunbowale
Role under review2017 · Undraftedpractice squad
Unlisted
Roman Hemby
Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

Ashton Jeanty

Age 22 · 2 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Elite contact-balance runner and legitimate receiving threat who is the entire identity of Las Vegas' offense. True three-down workhorse; the only concern is the low ankle sprain carried into Week 1.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 1 · Pick 6

Drafted by LV; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 17 recorded games include 266 carries and 55 receptions on 73 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Early-down runner

Mike Washington Jr.

Age 23 · Rookie · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Rookie who is the direct beneficiary of Jeanty's ankle — the Raiders said he would be counted on heavily until Jeanty returns. Early-down runner with no NFL sample; Las Vegas would use a committee rather than name him a bell cow.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Ashton Jeanty. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Ashton Jeanty. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

1975 · Round 3 · Pick 53

Drafted by BAL; not necessarily his current team.

Day-two draft investment adds prospect context. His current role, availability and competition still decide whether he gets the next opportunity.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Receiving back

Dylan Laube

Age 26 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Third-down and special-teams back whose value is as a receiver out of the backfield and a returner. In line for more offensive snaps with Jeanty limited, but never a between-the-tackles solution.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Ashton Jeanty. The dated board currently prefers Mike Washington Jr. for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Ashton Jeanty, Mike Washington Jr.. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A receiving specialist can retain passing-down work without becoming the lead runner. A bigger rushing role could go to a different teammate even if this player appears higher on the chart.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2024 · Round 6 · Pick 208

Drafted by LV; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 17 recorded games include 7 carries and 3 receptions on 4 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB4 · Role under review

Chris Collier

Age 26 · 2 years of NFL experience · injured reserve

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Fringe depth back on injured reserve with no meaningful NFL production. Not part of Las Vegas' contingency planning behind Jeanty.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Ashton Jeanty. The dated board currently prefers Mike Washington Jr. for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Ashton Jeanty, Mike Washington Jr., Dylan Laube. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2024 · Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is injured reserve. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

FB1 · Fullback

Connor Heyward

Age 27 · 5 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Hybrid fullback/tight end used as a blocker, short-area receiver and special-teamer — part of the versatility Las Vegas built around Jeanty. Not a ball-carrier of consequence.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Ashton Jeanty. The dated board currently prefers Mike Washington Jr. for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A fullback’s place on the chart represents a different assignment from the running-back queue. Blocking or situational touches do not make him the next lead runner when an RB is absent.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2022 · Round 6 · Pick 208

Drafted by PIT; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 14 recorded games include 15 carries and 3 receptions on 4 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Dare Ogunbowale

Age 32 · 9 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Dare Ogunbowale is an eight-year veteran listed by LV at RB, from Wisconsin. The official roster lists him at 5-10 and 205 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2017 · Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Roman Hemby

Age 24 · Rookie · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Roman Hemby is a rookie listed by LV at RB, from Indiana. The official roster lists him at 6-0 and 210 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2025 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2025 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Ashton Jeanty
1726655132114.4
Mike Washington Jr.
Chris Collier
Connor Heyward
14153642.0
Dare Ogunbowale
Dylan Laube
1773270.3
Roman Hemby
Ashton Jeanty: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 1321 touches
Wk 1412 touches
Wk 1513 touches
Wk 1625 touches
Wk 1718 touches
Wk 1829 touches
Connor Heyward: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 112 touches
Wk 121 touches
Wk 141 touches
Wk 154 touches
Wk 172 touches
Wk 184 touches
Dylan Laube: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 130 touches
Wk 140 touches
Wk 152 touches
Wk 160 touches
Wk 170 touches
Wk 180 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.