Las Vegas Raiders Facing Plague of Injuries Amid Rocky Season Start

The Las Vegas Raiders are confronting a host of challenges this season, compounding their 2-3 start with significant injury setbacks. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that defensive tackle Christian Wilkins will be out indefinitely following surgery for a Jones Fracture. This injury has necessitated Wilkins’ placement on injured reserve.

Head Coach Antonio Pierce‘s team struggled in their recent 34-18 defeat to the Denver Broncos, marking their third double-digit loss of the season. Wilkins, the Miami Dolphins‘ 2019 NFL Draft first-round pick, had previously been a stalwart presence on the field, not missing a game since 2020. His absence is a considerable blow to a Raiders defense already ranked 28th in points allowed.

Alongside Wilkins, Maxx Crosby, another key defensive player, is enduring a high ankle sprain, further weakening the Raiders’ defense. The team’s offensive performance is also under scrutiny as they rank 24th in total offense. The quarterback position is unsettled following the benching of starter Gardner Minshew in favor of Aidan O'Connell against the Broncos.

The Raiders are additionally dealing with the frustration of wide receiver , who has been sidelined for the past two games due to a hamstring injury and has reportedly requested a trade. Wilkins’ departure follows his substantial four-year, $110 million contract signed earlier this year, which was expected to bolster the Raiders’ defensive capabilities. Over five starts, he garnered 17 tackles, two sacks, and six quarterback hits.

The Raiders are scheduled to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, a team they played in a similarly injury-stricken condition last season and lost narrowly. As the Raiders attempt to navigate their roster challenges, the team’s long-term success remains contingent on resolving both their defensive and offensive uncertainties.