Raiders optimistic Ashton Jeanty will be ready to play in Week 1

While the Las Vegas Raiders' big news of Wednesday was coach Klint Kubiak naming veteran Kirk Cousins the starting quarterback over No. 1 overall pick, Rookie Fernando Mendoza, there was other significant news offered by the coach that also affects the Week 1 season opener against Miami Dolphins on Sept 13.

Asked if he is optimistic that starting running back Ashton Jeanty will be ready for the opener that looms in 11 days, Kubiak simply said "yes."

Tuesday, Las Vegas Raiders general John Spytek said this of Jeanty's return from injury : "I expect him to be back as quick as he can," Spytek said. "Maybe quicker than some would expect, but we'll see.'

Jeanty was working on the side Tuesday with a trainer as he recovers from suffering an ankle injury 10 days ago. He has not practice since the injury. Clearly, the team is hopeful he will be able to work next week prior to the Miami game. This is continued good news after the team was initially worried Jeanty suffered a serious injury.

Meanwhile, the injury news isn't as good regarding rookie defensive end Keyron Crawford. Kubiak said the third-round pick, who was put on the season-ending injured reserve Sunday, suffered an Achilles injury. Thursday night, the team said it was ankle injury.

That is an important clarification because Achilles injury timelines are usually much longer than ankle injuries. Potentially, this injury could affect whether Crawford is ready for training camp next year.

Meanwhile, Kubiak didn't say whether Jackson Powers-Johnson or Caleb Rogers will start at right guard. He said they're both starters and they both will play this season. Powers-Johnson has been working with the first-team offense mostly lately.

Rookie running back Mike Washington is now wearing No. 4 and kicker Matt Gay is wearing No. 14.