Mike Washington Jr. made the most of his preseason chances, and that work appears to be earning him a longer look from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Head coach Klint Kubiak said Washington has “earned more opportunities” moving forward after a strong preseason showing. The comment is notable because it suggests the rookie running back did enough to move himself onto the coaching staff’s radar, even if his role is still limited for now.
Washington’s preseason work gets noticed
Washington impressed during the preseason, which helped create momentum around his chances of sticking around in a meaningful way. That matters because young players often need to turn preseason reps into a case for more work once the games count. In Washington’s case, that effort has at least opened the door for a bigger opportunity.
He is still behind Ashton Jeanty on the depth chart, so this is not a sign that Washington has suddenly jumped into a featured role. But for a rookie trying to carve out a place on the roster, getting public praise from the head coach is an important step. It can mean more practice reps, more preseason or game-day opportunities, and a clearer path to carving out a backup role if he keeps building on what he has shown.
Why it matters for the Raiders
The Raiders are always looking for reliable depth at running back, and Washington’s preseason performance gave them a reason to keep evaluating him. A strong summer can change how a team views a young player, and Washington’s case is a good example of that. He has already flashed enough to make the Raiders take a closer look, and Kubiak’s words suggest that process is not over.
For a rookie, the challenge now is simple: keep earning trust. Washington has already made plays, and he has drawn attention for his upside in earlier preseason action, including a strong showing that highlighted his big-play ability. That is why the latest update feels meaningful. The Raiders are not just noticing him anymore; they are giving him a chance to do even more.
If Washington continues to impress, he could turn a strong preseason into a larger role than many expected when camp began. For now, Kubiak’s message is clear: Mike Washington Jr. has done enough to get more opportunities, and what he does with them will matter next.
