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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 cleared the inactive list behind Jeanty

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

View Ashton Jeanty’s handcuff breakdown

Week 7 analysis published .

This analysis is over 24 hours old. Confirm current roles and availability before making a move.

The game covered by this analysis has started or finished. This is a record of that window, not a recommendation for the next game.

How the work could change

Fact: the official Raiders Week 7 inactive list posted Oct 25 at 11:55 AM local time (page prints no timezone; released 90 minutes before the 1:25 PM PT kickoff) does not include Mike Washington Jr., so he is active despite being listed questionable after not practicing. Fact: no Raiders running back is on that list, so Dylan Laube and Connor Heyward are available as well; Chris Collier is out. Fact: Ashton Jeanty carries no designation. Projection: Washington is the early-down replacement if Jeanty could not go, with Laube the passing-down back and Heyward a hybrid, so Washington's value would come as carries rather than targets. He is usually still available on the wire.

Washington was listed questionable this week and did not practice, but today's official inactive list clears him to play; the board had still been showing the morning injury-report snapshot. Chris Collier is out. Jeanty has no designation and is active, so Washington stays the change-of-pace back unless Jeanty exits.

  • availability_unverified
  • stale_availability
  • played-through-questionable
  • missed-practice
  • passing-down-split
  • jeanty-healthy

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 Tue, Oct 27, 2:01 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		Change-of-pace back2024 · Round 6 · Pick 208active
RB4
Chris Collier		Role under review2024 · Undraftedinjured reserve
FB1
Connor Heyward		Fullback2022 · Round 6 · Pick 208active
Unlisted
Owen Wright		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad
Unlisted
Roman Hemby		Role under reviewDraft history unavailableactive

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

Still the unchallenged workhorse and the identity of the offense: questionable with ankle/foot after missing Friday's practice, then active for Week 5 at New England after a pregame test. He had started all four prior games (78 carries, 264 yards). A monitor, not a hold-or-drop call, though the lingering ankle makes efficiency worth watching. Washington is a distant RB2.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Oct 12, 3:54 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

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 2026, his 7 recorded games include 106 carries and 34 receptions on 44 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

First real injury of his career, and it is trending the wrong way: limited Wednesday, DNP Thursday, absent Friday, with Rotoworld calling the Questionable tag tenuous and him a long shot to suit up. He is still Jeanty's direct backup on the Oct. 20 unofficial depth chart, with Dylan Laube next up if he sits. When healthy, about the cleanest one-man handcuff available.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Oct 24, 4:00 AM EDT.

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

In 2026, his 7 recorded games include 40 carries and 3 receptions on 6 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

RB3 · Change-of-pace back

Dylan Laube

Age 26 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

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

2024 sixth-rounder whose value is on special teams: a 25.9-yard kick-return average and 855 return yards in 2025, 10th in the league. Third in the pecking order with minimal offensive usage. If Jeanty missed time the work would go primarily to Mike Washington Jr., leaving Laube a complementary piece.

Scouting assessment saved Tue, Sep 22, 3:54 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

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 change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

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

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 2026, his 7 recorded games include 5 carries and 4 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

Depth back who was competing for the RB3 job before reverting to injured reserve in training camp. Off the active roster with no disclosed injury or timetable; the RB3 competition passed to Dylan Laube and Roman Hemby. No redraft or dynasty relevance in this room at present.

Scouting assessment saved Tue, Sep 22, 3:54 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

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

H-back/fullback signed after four seasons in Pittsburgh and listed FB1 on the Week 1 depth chart. Brings blocking, receiving and special-teams value with five career scrimmage touchdowns. Las Vegas values his versatility, but he is not a candidate for meaningful carries behind Jeanty.

Scouting assessment saved Tue, Sep 22, 3:54 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

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 2026, his 7 recorded games include 4 carries and 2 receptions on 2 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

Owen Wright

Age 27 · 2 years of NFL experience · practice squad

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

Individual scouting research is pending. The recorded workload and draft history below provide the available context.

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 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

Draft history unavailable

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

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.

Unlisted · Role under review

Roman Hemby

Age 24 · Rookie · active

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

Undrafted rookie (1,120 rushing yards at Indiana in 2025) elevated from the practice squad on Oct. 10 as insurance for a questionable Ashton Jeanty, then inactive on Sunday once Jeanty was cleared to play. That is the whole story of his week: a contingency body, third in line behind Mike Washington Jr. and Dylan Laube, with no projected offensive role while Jeanty is upright.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Oct 12, 3:54 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

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 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

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.

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

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2026 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2026 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Ashton Jeanty
71063464017.4
Mike Washington Jr.
74032064.2
Chris Collier
—————
Connor Heyward
742200.6
Dylan Laube
754241.8
Owen Wright
—————
Roman Hemby
—————
Ashton Jeanty: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 225 touches
Wk 322 touches
Wk 421 touches
Wk 513 touches
Wk 614 touches
Wk 716 touches
Mike Washington Jr.: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 23 touches
Wk 35 touches
Wk 410 touches
Wk 52 touches
Wk 610 touches
Wk 76 touches
Connor Heyward: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 21 touches
Wk 30 touches
Wk 43 touches
Wk 50 touches
Wk 60 touches
Wk 71 touches
Dylan Laube: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 20 touches
Wk 30 touches
Wk 40 touches
Wk 57 touches
Wk 62 touches
Wk 70 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.

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