Raiders' Jeanty (ankle) feels 'really good,' excited for Dolphins

HENDERSON, Nev. -- Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) said he feels "really good" and is "super excited" to play in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.

Jeanty returned to practice Wednesday as a full participant after being sidelined since Aug. 23 due to injuring his ankle in a training camp practice. He also practiced on Thursday, increasing the likelihood of his availability for Week 1.

"Any time away from the game, it's tough," Jeanty said. "But to get back out there, mainly with the guys, man, it felt good."

When Jeanty went down after attempting to catch a low pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins and had to be carried off the field, it seemed like the Raiders would be without their starting running back, who will play a vital role on offense.

In reality, it didn't take long for Jeanty to realize his ankle injury wasn't as serious as it looked. Jeanty said he sighed in relief right after trainers helped him off the field.

He didn't have any concerns about whether he would play against the Dolphins.

"I knew it wasn't anything too bad, even though I couldn't put pressure on my foot," Jeanty said Thursday -- his first time speaking to reporters since the injury. "...I figured it wouldn't be anything that's too long-term."