Raiders "optimistic" on Ashton Jeanty's ankle for Week 1

The Raiders' backfield question is trending toward an answer. Las Vegas is optimistic about the health of running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) for Week 1, per Ian Rapoport.

The update is a positive signal for a team managing its most dynamic offensive weapon. It also lands roughly a week after coach Klint Kubiak declined to discuss whether Jeanty might land on injured reserve — an exchange XFN covered at the time — making Thursday's report the club's clearest signal yet that its season opener is the target.

Rapoport's report came via Good Morning Football, which broke down the injury situations heading into the season's opening week. Las Vegas opens at home against Miami on Sunday, Sept. 13. For a Raiders team that has already settled its quarterback question — Kirk Cousins was named the opening-day starter earlier this week, ahead of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza — a healthy Jeanty changes the math for the entire offense. The Dolphins game is the first look at whether the retooled roster, and its second-year star's ankle, hold up when the games begin to matter.