Ashton Jeanty shines for Raiders in preseason

Rookie Ashton Jeanty stands out as the Raiders evaluate depth for the regular season in a game against the 49ers.

Ashton Jeanty shines for Raiders in preseason loss to 49ers

The Raiders fell to 0-1-1 in the preseason after a Saturday afternoon loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Rookie Ashton Jeanty stood out, rushing seven times for 33 yards and scoring a touchdown, answering early doubts after a rough debut. His burst and willingness to run through contact gave Las Vegas a hopeful moment as players vie for depth chart spots.

Beyond Jeanty, several players drew attention for how they might influence the final 53. Eric Stokes struggled in coverage on 11 snaps, allowing three completions for 41 yards. JJ Pegues showed progress as a run defender with four pressures as a pass rusher, and Tyree Wilson offered a glimpse of his potential with a pressure and solid edge rep. Antonio Mafi surrendered a couple of pressures including a sack, while Greedy Vance Jr. has not yet made a decisive impact on defense. Chris Smith II was listed as a winner by evaluators, indicating a favorable impression on the tape.

Jeanty’s performance adds a spark to a Raiders roster that is sorting through young talent and veteran presence. He ran with confidence, showing the kind of decisiveness that can translate from practice to meaningful reps in the regular season. If he keeps producing, he could help ease the burden on a position that often wears down late in the year.

The day also underscored gaps the Raiders must close. Stokes’s setback in coverage raises questions about the cornerback depth behind him, while Mafi’s pass protection issues highlight how fragile the protection group remains. The defense showed promise in spots with Pegues and Wilson flashing, but consistency will be the bigger test next game as the team tightens its plans for game situations and cut downs.

Highlights

The roster clock ticks toward final cuts as the team weighs youth against proven depth.