Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty got a not-so-gentle introduction to the NFL in his professional debut Sunday against the New England Patriots. The sixth overall pick of the 2025 draft carried 19 times for 38 yards, averaging just two yards per carry, and caught two passes for two yards. He did find the end zone once, but the overall performance was a far cry from the expectations surrounding the Boise State star.
‘Ashton Was Hyped’: Raiders HC Reveals Where Jeanty Struggled In NFL Debut
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Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, ever the veteran voice of reason, blamed neither Jeanty’s talent nor the offensive line entirely, but instead pointed to the rookie’s enthusiasm. “Ashton was hyped,” Carroll said. “He was jacked up, and he would tell you, I think, that he wishes he had been a little more patient on some reads and things like that. That will come. He didn’t look like that in preseason. This game, being out there, being called on to play and carry the ball 19 times, it was a little bit different for him. He’ll play way better, he’ll see things more clearly. I know he was a little frustrated by that.”
The offensive line didn’t make things easy, either. Only one of the five starters graded even average in run blocking, according to Pro Football Focus, limiting Jeanty’s opportunities to find room to run. Still, Carroll played up Jeanty’s potential, noting that high usage in Week 1—86% of offensive snaps—gives the rookie a valuable experience boost heading into Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers, who allowed 98 rushing yards to a less-than-impressive Chiefs ground game.
While Geno Smith stole the spotlight with a 362-yard, franchise-record debut, Jeanty’s struggle was a reminder that the NFL is rarely forgiving for rookies. Carroll’s message to Raiders fans: don’t panic. This was a first outing, not a final verdict. Patience, both for the player and the team, could pay off—especially with Jeanty now armed with a real NFL game under his belt.