Raiders' Ashton Jeanty sends message to NFL after barreling over 49ers defender

Nick Wright explains how adding Ashton Jeanty makes the Las Vegas Raiders playoff-bound next season.

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty made a statement in the second preseason game of his career on Saturday night. This time, it came against the San Francisco 49ers.

Jeanty’s number was called in the first quarter. He took the ball, found the hole and attacked the gap. He ran over 49ers defender Deommodore Lenoir on his way to the first down.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty carries during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

The Raiders lost 22-19 and Jeanty rushed for 33 yards on seven carries and scored a touchdown. But it was the moment he and his teammates were talking about after the game.

He said bowling over Lenoir was his "I’m here" moment.

"Definitely today, for sure. And it takes time as a rookie to kind of gain that confidence. And I'm here, I've arrived, and it's time to keep going and make plays for this team," he said.

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith lauded Jeanty’s play.

"Man, it fires me up just seeing him the way that he runs," Smith said. "He's running through people, and he's not shying away from contact. I think he's going to be a really special player, like I've always said, and I think he's just got to keep working.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty celebrates his rushing touchdown with teammates during the San Francisco 49ers game, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/David Becker)

CHARGERS' QUENTIN JOHNSTON SUFFERS CONCUSSION ON HARD HIT FROM RAMS DEFENSIVE BACK

"There's a lot of things that he can get better at as well, but to see him