Mike Washington Jr. could not have picked a worse week to get hurt. The Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back is a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported.

Washington is dealing with foot and back injuries, and Fowler reported that some optimism exists, but the Raiders want to see how he feels before kickoff. The team listed him as questionable Friday after he missed practice that day.

The timing stings. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said Wednesday that Washington has earned more reps, and the rookie leads the Raiders' running backs in yards per carry with five explosive runs this season. Kubiak also liked what he has seen from him on passing downs.

"He's a rookie, so he's got a lot to catch up on and he's continuing to improve," Kubiak said. "He's putting the work in and you just see the practice come to life in the game."

What it means if Washington can't go

If Washington sits, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty would carry an even bigger load against a Rams defensive front that has been hit hard by injuries. The Raiders would lose the change of pace that gave their run game a spark against Buffalo, and Kubiak would have fewer ways to keep Jeanty fresh into the fourth quarter. 

Washington's burst has been one of the few bright spots in a ground game that has struggled all season, so even a handful of carries from him could change how the Rams line up.

The good news is that the wait won't be long. The Raiders will confirm Washington's status when the inactive list comes out 90 minutes before kickoff. Even a limited Washington would give Kubiak an extra option he has started to trust.