Initial thoughts on Malcolm Koonce going on the injured reserve

First real adversity of season

The Las Vegas Raiders put starting defensive end Malcolm Koonce on the injured reserve Saturday two days after he injured his knee in practice. He will miss, at least, four games.

Here are some thoughts on the situation:

What’s the timeline?

This is the biggest question in this development. There was speculation it was a non-contact injury and teammates expressed sadness for Koonce in remarks to reporters Friday. Perhaps the Raiders will offer more clarity on the situation soon. So, right now, the window for Koonce is to miss is anywhere from four games to the entire season.

It’s a big deal:
The defensive line was expected to be the absolute strength of the team. The Raiders were big winners in free agency when they signed star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins top pair with superstar pass-rusher Maxx Crosby. Koonce was the next big piece on this unit. He was outstanding at the end of last season as he had all eight of his sacks in the final nine games. He was ready to take an even bigger step forward this season.

First adversity of the season:

This is a gut kick to absorb in the days before the start of the season. The Raiders entered the practice week to Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Chargers pretty healthy. Now, they’re down an important starter. Not ideal.

Thin at the position:

The Raiders only had Janarius Robinson and Tyree Wilson behind Crosby and Koonce on the roster. Robinson and Wilson have limited NFL experience. The Raiders did sign pass-rusher Charles Snowden to the 53-man roster to replace Koonce, but he has limited experience as well. So, there isn’t any proven NFL pass-rushers behind Crosby.

Help coming?

Because of the lack of experience, the Raiders could look on the street for help. There’s not a lot out there. The most established free agent pass-rusher is former Raider Yannick Ngakoue, but many scouts think he’s past his prime. Other available players at the position include Charles Harris, Marquis Haynes, Shaq Lawson, Derek Rivers and Elerson Smith, who the Raiders recently cut. Haason Reddick is holding out from the Jets in a contract dispute. Perhaps they would entertain a trade.

Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images

Tyree time?

It seemed like Wilson may not get much playing time in his second season, but this changes that/ Wilson, the No. 7 overall draft pick n 2023, was not good as a rookie and not no impact in the preseason. He must now, step up and make an impact.

Bad timing:

Koonce is entering the final season of his contract and there has been some talk that he could be in line for a contract extension. That could still happen, though. Frankly, if Koonce missed a extended period of time, it could hurt his chances on the open market next winter if he goes to free agency.

Adversity happened same time last year:

It’s a different circumstance, but the Raiders had an issue at the same exact time last year with a starting defensive end. Chandler Jones had personal issues right before the start of the season and ended up being released. The Raiders were forced to scramble. Koonce was one of the players they turned to. Now, they’re looking for someone step up and replace him.