Ashton Jeanty Dodges Serious Injury; Running Back Room Still Cloudy Heading Into Week 1

Ashton Jeanty's injury scare ended on a positive note, as the running back avoided a major setback during the preseason evaluation period. That's particularly significant for Boise, which is counting on Jeanty to be a centerpiece of the offense. Getting confirmation that he'll likely be ready for Week 1 eliminates a major unknown heading into the season.

The broader picture across the NFL is murkier. Several teams heading into Week 1 still don't have clarity on their running back situations, with injuries creating a domino effect through depth charts. This ambiguity matters not just for those specific franchises, but for how defensive coordinators game-plan and how fantasy lineups form in the opening weeks.

Why it matters: Running back injuries tend to have outsized impact because backup options—especially early in the season—often struggle to replicate the starter's role in the passing game or pass protection. A team losing its primary back to injury doesn't just lose rushing yards; it potentially handicaps its entire offensive system until a replacement gels.

Jeanty's apparent good health is one positive thread in what appears to be a season where teams will need contingency plans at the position. Teams with injury questions at running back heading into Week 1 may see adjusted expectations from oddsmakers, particularly in contests where the backup's limitations could affect game flow.

The full picture should come into focus over the next week or so as teams make final roster decisions and injury reports become official.

Source: original report ↗