Add The California Post on Google The Raiders might have a running back problem. Fortunately for them, the problem is for opposing teams.
As the team is preparing for a second-year leap from Ashton Jeanty, rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. has started to look like the perfect complementary piece.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty standing next to his teammates before a Raiders preseason game. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Former Raiders running back Raheem Mostert appeared on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” on Tuesday and called the rookie running back an “under-the-radar” type of player.
“I actually watched him when he was in his last year at Arkansas, and I could tell you, man, he was ecstatic to watch,” Mostert said. “I know their running backs coach over there, and I had called him one time on FaceTime and gave him a nice, deliberate message.”
Mostert is a free agent after spending the 11th season of his career with the Raiders last season.
The veteran running back said what stood out when he had his FaceTime call with Washington was that he was taking notes on everything he was telling him.
“I said to keep your poise and do everything you can because that next level is going to be even more so determining for you guys,” Mostert said.
Washington played only one season at Arkansas and finished as a top-five rusher in the SEC after running for 1,070 yards with eight touchdowns.
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak lists Mike Washington Jr. as the team’s backup running back. AP Photo/David Becker In April, Washington was selected in the fourth round by the Raiders and immediately caught the coaching staff’s attention. He rapidly climbed the depth chart and is listed as the team’s second-string running back.
Jeanty suffered an ankle sprain during training camp last month, resulting in an expanded role for Washington. He ended up sharing snaps with the Raiders’ starters and had an impressive preseason. He rushed 23 times for 168 yards, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
“Obviously, what he’s doing right now with the Raiders, I’m super excited to see that as well,” Mostert said. “… I’m just letting y’all know, watch out for that guy.”
