The lights are on in Glendale, and many wonder whether one of the most intriguing rookies in the NFL will step onto the field. The Las Vegas Raiders’ Saturday preseason finale is about balancing reps, risk, and evaluation, and that could leave Ashton Jeanty on the bench as others fight for jobs.
Is Ashton Jeanty Playing Tonight Against the Cardinals?
Head coach Pete Carroll made headlines earlier this week when he said the Raiders’ starters would be “live” for the preseason finale against Arizona. But that doesn’t mean every first-teamer will play. In fact, multiple reports have clarified that rookie running back Jeanty is unlikely to see action on Saturday.
It’s a cautious call for the No. 6 overall pick, who is expected to be a focal point of the Raiders’ offense this fall. Carroll and the coaching staff have little interest in risking their prized rookie in a game that won’t impact the standings. Instead, the finale will showcase depth backs competing for roster spots while Jeanty looks ahead to Week 1.
The decision follows Jeanty’s rocky NFL debut earlier this month. Against the Seattle Seahawks, he logged just three carries for negative yardage in 10 snaps. Carroll defended his back afterward, pointing to basic play-calling and poor blocking rather than the rookie’s ability. “It wasn’t about him. We didn’t get him going. That happens,” Carroll said, stressing patience with the rookie’s development.
Jeanty himself has stayed even-keeled. “You got to come in this building and understand the mission,” he told reporters. “I just worry about being the best version of myself every day.”
The rookie running back bounced back with a strong performance in preseason Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. Jeanty rushed for 33 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, and also had a reception for two yards. However, the Raiders star took a hit in that game and had to go to the blue tent. As a result, it will be ideal for Las Vegas to rest him for the game against the Cardinals.
What the Raiders’ Plan Means for Jeanty and the Offense
Las Vegas’ approach to Jeanty’s limited usage is about the long view. The former Boise State star is coming off a historic 2024 season with 2,601 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns. That production made him the highest-drafted running back in years and an immediate Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite.
Carroll knows the ground game will run through Jeanty once the real games begin. Saturday’s finale, then, becomes more about sorting out who backs him up. Veteran reserves and undrafted rookies are set to handle the bulk of the carries against Arizona, giving the staff a final look at who can contribute on special teams or spell Jeanty during the season.
ASHTON JEANTY’S FIRST PRESEASON TD ‼️ @AshtonJeanty2
Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/hsJMTUkY9P— NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2025
For the Cardinals, head coach Jonathan Gannon has already ruled out most of his starters, including Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. That ensures the matchup is less about star power and more about roster evaluation on both sidelines.
Kickoff is set for Saturday, August 23, at 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT) from State Farm Stadium in Glendale. Fans can watch nationally on NFL Network or stream via NFL+, with local coverage in Las Vegas on FOX5/KVVU.
The Raiders may dress a handful of veterans for rhythm, but all signs point to Jeanty watching from the sideline. For a franchise that made him the centerpiece of its rebuild, preserving his health outweighs another August cameo.
