Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty was looking to have a bounce-back performance following a disappointing preseason Week 1 and he did just that versus the San Francisco 49ers in preseason Week 2.
After finishing with -1 yards on three carries last week, Jeanty carried the ball seven times for 33 yards and found the end zone for the first time this preseason. Jeanty also had one catch for two yards.
Adding to that, Jeanty displayed his power on the ground by trucking a defender en route to his longest carry of the day, which went for 13 yards. He also lowered his shoulder on a big hit from linebacker Tatum Bethune but stayed on his feet and continued forward after absorbing it.
After the game, Jeanty had clearly gained some confidence after his standout showing.
“It takes time as a rookie to gain that confidence and I’m here, I’ve arrived," Jeanty said, per Vegas Sports Today. "It’s time to keep going and make plays for this team.”
“I’m here, I’ve arrived. It’s time to keep going and make plays for this team.”
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) August 17, 2025
Ashton Jeanty talks about his “I’m here” moment after a big play against the 49ers in today’s preseason game.
🎥: By @Sean_Zittel, Vegas Sports Today#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/BHA1l3X0EZ
There was a brief injury scare for Jeanty, who took a trip to the medical tent after the aforementioned meeting with Bethune, but he ended up returning to the game shortly after.
We got to see a little bit of everything from Jeanty, who also got at least one pass protection rep that went off without a hitch.
The Raiders even trusted Jeanty enough to get a carry on third-and-5 and the rookie was able to move the chains.
"Chip [Kelly] as an OC trusts me with the ball in my hands on a longer third down right there, so in the back of my mind is to continue to gain that trust that I can go get those yards," Jeanty said.
The Raiders and their fans no doubt have to be excited about what they saw from the No. 6 overall pick on Saturday. It's amazing the difference some blocking can make. If the holes are there, Jeanty is going to find them.
With preseason Week 2 in the books, the Raiders will close out the exhibition slate against the Arizona Cardinals next Saturday.
We'll see if Las Vegas gives Jeanty more snaps, but quite frankly we've seen enough and would be fine with head coach Pete Carroll sitting his young star.
MORE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS NEWS
Raiders rookie Cam Miller has up-and-down showing in preseason Week 2
Tom Brady channels Al Davis as he arrives for Raiders preseason game
Raiders' Ashton Jeanty: The fantasy football phenomenon you can't afford to miss in 2025
Ashton Jeanty runs over 49ers defenders, scores first NFL touchdown