Davante Adams could nicely depart the Raiders shortly. The staff may also be with out one among its key veterans on the defensive facet of the ball for an prolonged interval.
Christian Wilkins underwent surgical procedure to restore a Jones fracture he suffered on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Community experiences. Because of the process, the high-priced free agent can be out indefinitely, with Rapoport including an IR stint is coming. Injured reserve would require at the least a four-game absence, however a lengthier one wouldn’t come as a shock.
Wilkins exceled towards the run particularly throughout his five-year Miami tenure. He posted a career-high 9 sacks final season, although, and that manufacturing within the pass-rushing division helped his market worth significantly. The 28-year-old inked a four-year, $110M cope with the Raiders and, in doing so, grew to become one of many newest defensive tackles to money in on the place’s surge in worth.
That dedication added significantly to Vegas’ expectations alongside the defensive entrance for 2024 and past. All-Professional edge-rusher Maxx Crosby stays in place by 2026 on his restructured deal, however he was counted on extra closely than common given the season-ending harm suffered by
Malcolm Koonce. Now that Wilkins will miss appreciable time, the Raiders D-line can be considerably short-handed apart from Crosby.
John Jenkins has began each sport for Vegas up to now on the inside, logging a 52% snap share alongside the way in which. That determine may enhance with Wilkins (who racked up 17 tackles and a pair of sacks earlier than struggling the harm) out of the image for the foreseeable future. The likes of Adam Butler, Jonah Laulu and Nesta Jade Silvera spherical out the remaining wholesome choices on depth chart on the defensive sort out spot, and they’re going to compete for elevated snaps transferring ahead.
Wilkins is on the books by 2027, and his pact contains main ensures subsequent season in addition to his 2025 base wage ($25.25M) vesting early this spring. Returning to full well being will thus be vital for staff and participant, however it will likely be fairly a while till that’s the case.