The Las Vegas Raiders’ defeat against the Denver Broncos on Sunday has taken a turn for the worse.
According to Ian Rapoport, star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is now out indefinitely due to a Jones Fracture he sustained during the game, and he will require surgery. This injury is a significant setback for the Raiders, as their defensive line is arguably their strongest unit.
All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby is also battling a high ankle sprain and wasn’t at full strength when he returned on Sunday. Additionally, the team has lost promising player Malcolm Koonce, a potential double-digit sack candidate after a breakout last season, to a season-ending knee injury.
Wilkins was a major offseason addition, signing with the Raiders in March for four years and $110 million. He formed a strong partnership with Adam Butler and John Jenkins, creating one of the most talented and deep defensive interiors in the league.
In five games, Wilkins recorded two sacks, 17 total tackles (11 solo), two tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits. His impact went beyond statistics, as he excelled in both run defense and pass rushing, often disrupting plays. His presence complicates opposing teams’ game plans, forcing them to account for both him and Crosby, along with other Raiders defenders.
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