Another setback for Christian Wilkins?

Raiders star defensive tackle in a walking boot

Las Vegas Raiders star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins’ foot injury has hovered over the team all offseason with questions about when he can return from an injury he suffered last October.

Now, it appears Wilkins, who signed a four-year, $110 million contract in free agency in 2024 with the franchise, is very much still dealing with the affects of the injury as he was photographed Monday while wearing a walking boot on the injured foot on Monday via a social media post by The Athletic.

The significance of Wilkins being in a walking boot is unknown. It could be part of a planned rehabilitation or it could be a sign that he suffered another setback in his attempt to return from the injury.

In May, Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll addressed Wilkins’ return from injury for the first time as the coach called the process “challenging.” Carroll didn’t elaborate much on the extend of Wilkins’ setback. But the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the belief was Wilkins either had an inserted screw break or an actual bone break during his rehab. The report stated the team is hopeful he can return to practice in August, weeks before the start of the season.

Again, it’s unclear what this latest development means in terms of Wilkins’ long-term prognosis, but it is clear that he is still very much dealing with the affects of the injury. Whether that means he will be ready in August remains to be seen.