Chip Kelly defends his usage of Ashton Jeanty

Apr 25, 2025; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders first round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft Ashton Jeanty, speaks to the media at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Ashton Jeanty was viewed as a can’t-miss prospect, and many believed he would immediately turn the Las Vegas Raiders into a rushing force after being selected sixth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Through two weeks, that has not happened.

Jeanty has rushed for just 80 yards and one touchdown on 30 carries (2.7 ypc), while adding five receptions for a paltry three yards.

In Week 1, Jeantry took 54 (86%) of the offensive snaps, but that number plummeted to 39 (56%) of the team’s offensive snaps in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. It was in stark contrast.

So, what gives?

Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly attempted to explain Jeanty’s sudden “pitch count” while meeting with reporters on Thursday.

"In basketball, it's called load management."#Raiders OC Chip Kelly explains Ashton Jeanty's usage or lack thereof, saying it's game script-dependent while ensuring the rookie doesn't 'get worn down.'

'You would love for Ashton Jeanty to play every play… You have to be… pic.twitter.com/WrnhHjOhuM
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) September 18, 2025

“You would love for Ashton Jeanty to play every play,” Kelly said. “You have to be conscious of, over the course of 17 games, if some guy is carrying the ball 30 times a game, they only have so many carries in a season. If you’re using them early, it’ll hurt you late.”

Kelly likened it to “load management” in the NBA, while also expressing confidence in fellow running backs Zamir White and Dylan Laube.

But Kelly may want to talk to head coach Pete Carroll, who has a different way of looking at the Jeantry situation.

“We’re just getting started,” Carroll said of Jeantry, via the Las Vegas Journal-Review. “He’s breaking into the NFL. He’s figuring it out. He’ll get more carries. We have to run the ball more effectively. We only got (68 yards), and that’s not enough. We need more than that. We’re bringing him along. More will come.”

How the Raiders use Jeantry in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders, who are in the top half of the league against the run, will be interesting. And potentially telling.