NFL Preseason: Injury concerns and roster shifts define final week
The NFL’s final preseason week is marked by a high ankle sprain for Las Vegas Raiders star Ashton Jeanty, the return of San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, and public friction between Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson and team supporters.
The National Football League has entered the final week of its preseason, a period defined by significant roster adjustments and mixed injury reports. With the regular season approaching, teams are finalising their lineups, but the weekend brought both optimism and concern for several franchises. The sole preseason matchup on Sunday saw the Tennessee Titans defeat the Seattle Seahawks 19–16, providing a brief competitive interlude before the focus shifted to practice facilities.
For the Las Vegas Raiders, the week began with a setback for running back Ashton Jeanty, who sustained a high ankle sprain during practice. Jeanty collided with cornerback Darien Porter while diving for a catch and was subsequently helped off the field without placing weight on his right leg. The injury raises questions about his availability for the Raiders’ season opener against the Miami Dolphins, a game head coach Klint Kubiak had planned to build around Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers.
Jeanty, who recorded 975 rushing yards and five touchdowns in his 2025 rookie season, is a key component of the Raiders’ offensive strategy. Should he miss time, fourth-round rookie Mike Washington Jr. is listed second on the depth chart and would assume primary backfield duties. The uncertainty surrounding Jeanty’s status presents a tactical challenge for the coaching staff as they prepare for the regular season.
In contrast, the San Francisco 49ers received a significant boost as tight end George Kittle was activated from the physically unable to perform list. Kittle took part in individual reps in full pads for the first time since suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in January. His return was accompanied by that of running back Christian McCaffrey, who resumed practice after sitting out sessions since 10 August due to tightness.
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak described the return of both players as a major lift for the team, referring to them as "Hall of Fame-caliber players" who raise the standard of practice. Kittle expressed hope for availability in the regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, while acknowledging the demands of an 18-week schedule. McCaffrey clarified that his recent absence was part of a planned workload management strategy.
The weekend also featured a notable controversy involving the Cleveland Browns, with quarterback Deshaun Watson publicly criticising team fans after being booed during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between the quarterback and the fanbase, adding a layer of off-field drama to an already busy final week of preparation.
