Free-agent big ticket will head to injured reserve
The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a crushing blow as they have lost star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins indefinitely because of a Jones Fracture in his foot that required surgery that he suffered in a loss at the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
NFL Media reported that Wilkins will head to the injured reserve.
Here are some thoughts on the injury and what it means for the Raiders:
They can’t have nice things:
Wilkins was supposed to be a missing piece for the Raiders, whose defense ended last season strong. Wilkins was one of the free-agent prizes when the Raiders signed him to a four-year, $110 million contract an hour in the the process. He and star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby represent one of the best pairs on a defensive front in the league. Yet, the two played not even four full games together. Crosby missed Week 4. Wilkins has 17 tackles and two sacks, who had, at least a half sack, in the past three games. Now, it’s all in hold.
Top level talent taking hit:
The Raiders’ roster may not be overly deep but there was some top end talent in Crosby, Wilkins, wide receiver Davante Adams and rookie tight end Brock Bowers. Yet, now Wilkins is out and Adams appears to be on the verge of being traded. Las Vegas’ star power is taking hits.
Injuries are piling up:
The Raiders’ defense hasn’t been great this year, but they have dealt with big-time injuries. Starting pass-rusher Malcolm Koonce will miss the entire season with a knee injury and starting safety Marcus Epps was lost for the season with a knee injury last month. Overall, the injury bug has bit the Raiders hard this season after they enjoyed relative good health in recent seasons compared to other teams. That hasn’t been the case this season.
How position will look:
Adam Butler and John Jenkins will start with youngsters Jonah Laulu and Nesta Jade Silvera rotating in. Butler and Jenkins are solid players, but they’re more rotational players. It all started with Wilkins. Everyone is going to have to step up and help Crosby with Wilkins on the shelf.
Not a big injury history:
Wilkins, who turns 29 in December, had been very healthy in the NFL. He didn’t miss a game in his final three season with Miami and he logged a ton of snaps. He missed just two games since entering the league in 2019, both coming in 2020.
Injury timeline:
It’s to be determined but this could linger for a while and it could be season-ending.
More on what is shaping up as a season-ending injury to @Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins: https://t.co/ldPZK5U10R
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) October 9, 2024
Overcoming foot surgery is going to take some time and there is less than three months remaining in the regular season. While he could come back this season, not expect Wilkins back on the roster soon if at all this season.
