Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. was absent during the media viewing portion of Thursday’s practice ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, according to The Athletic’s Sam Warren.
Washington was listed as a limited participant with foot and back injuries during Wednesday’s session, but was listed as a non-participant on Thursday’s injury report. So, it appears he suffered a setback.
The fourth-round pick has been the second back behind Ashton Jeanty through the first six games this season but had 10 touches for 50 yards from scrimmage last week against the Buffalo Bills, including nine rushes for 43 yards. His role is expected to increase as the Silver and Black figure out their rushing woes, ranking 30th in the NFL for total rushing yards and 31st in yards per attempt this fall. Obviously, that requires Washington to be healthy, though.
Meanwhile, Jeanty, who has also battled injuries this year, hasn’t been listed on the injury report this week and appears to be a full go. So, if Washington isn’t available, the offense will still have its lead back, barring a significant change in the coming days.
In other injury news, defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway was spotted wearing a red, non-contact jersey on Thursday, per Warren. Hemingway suffered a concussion against the New England Patriots two weeks ago and missed last Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. Wearing the red jersey suggests he’s limited in practice and one step closer to clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Warren also posted a video of tight end Brock Bowers warming up before Thursday’s practice. Bowers was limited Wednesday with hamstring and calf injuries, which is different from the knee injury that caused him to miss Weeks 1 and 2. That being said, he’s been limited on Wednesdays every week since returning to action.
The Raiders released the official injury report, in which Bowers (hamstring/calf), defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (shoulder) and offensive tackle Kolton Miller (shoulder) were upgraded from limited to full participants during the team’s second practice of the week. Additionally, Hemingway was confirmed to be limited.
Meanwhile, the Rams had a few key injuries on Wednesday. Defensive starters cornerback Trent McDuffie (groin) and linebacker Nate Landman (concussion) missed their second practices of the week, while star wide receiver Puka Nacua (calf) exited Thursday’s practice early. Los Angeles is already down one top wideout with Davante Adams (hamstring) placed on injured reserve earlier in the week.
