The Ashton Jeanty injury saga has taken the Las Vegas Raiders and their fans from apparent catastrophe to cautious optimism—and somehow back into uncertainty—all within five days.

Jeanty landed awkwardly on his right leg while diving for a low pass during Sunday’s practice. He could not put weight on the leg as trainers helped him leave the field, while Raiders teammates took a knee in stunned silence. The scene immediately prompted fears of a serious knee injury.

Then came relief. Multiple reports indicated Jeanty had avoided major damage and instead suffered a low ankle sprain. His Week 1 availability, however, remained unknown.

Jeanty soon added another twist by posting a photo of himself kneeling on the field alongside the Bible verse “Romans 8:28.” The cryptic social media message offered no medical clarity, leaving fans to interpret whether it represented gratitude, reassurance or concern.

Klint Kubiak has now supplied the most encouraging update yet—without actually declaring Jeanty ready.

“Still on the mend, still working to get him back,” Kubiak said Friday. “We’ve got another week to assess how he’s gonna look going into this first game, but we’re counting on him.”

That is a remarkable destination after an injury that initially looked potentially devastating. It is also carefully worded.

“Counting on him” reveals the Raiders’ expectation; “another week to assess” leaves plenty of latitude for that to change.

Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is supposed to anchor Kubiak’s running game. His absence would elevate fourth-round rookie Mike Washington, who impressed throughout camp, into a much larger role.

Kubiak said Washington will contribute during the season, but Las Vegas would prefer him to complement Jeanty rather than replace him.

The Raiders seemingly went from fearing the worst to planning around Jeanty for Week 1. Yet they still have not revealed the severity of the sprain, whether he has resumed on-field work or what he must accomplish to play.

For now, the Raiders are counting on Jeanty. Everyone else is still counting the days until the first official injury report.