...
By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Las Vegas Raiders were just hit hard on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle standout Christian Wilkins is now "out indefinitely" after getting surgery to repair a Jones fracture he received during Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.
More news: Raiders News: Aidan O'Connell Replaces Struggling Gardner Minshew at QB
Read More on NFL
Senior NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the news, stating, "Sources: #Raiders star DT Christian Wilkins is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair a Jones Fracture he suffered on Sunday. Wilkins, Las Vegas' big-money free agent acquisition, being out is a crushing blow in the middle of that defense. He'll head to IR."
Depending on how bad the fracture was, Wilkins could miss multiple months. According to sportsmedicineoregon.com, "Generally, non-surgical or conservative treatments take a minimum of six to eight weeks, longer if the break is severe or the individual is in poor health."
Wilkins was the biggest free agent acquisition the Raiders secured. Las Vegas signed him to a four-year deal worth $110 million, with $84.75 million guaranteed. Wilkins was a solid defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins, though the team did not want to pay Wilkins what the Raiders eventually offered.
...
Wilkins was drafted No. 13 overall by the Dolphins in the 2017 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, Wilkins brought in two sacks and 56 total tackles.
Wilkins became an excellent run-stopper and defensive lineman who moved more like a linebacker. His most successful season came in 2023 when he secured nine sacks, 65 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Despite what should have been a Pro Bowl season, Wilkins was attempting to prove that he was worth a big check. The defensive lineman spent the majority of training camp holding out in 2023 in an attempt to strongarm the Dolphins into a new contract. Those contract talks stalled, leaving him to become a free agent in 2024.
Wilkins certainly proved that he is one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL, having put together 355 tackles, 20.5 sacks, one interception, and four forced fumbles.
Wilkins has brought in two sacks and 17 total tackles through five games with the Raiders. Now, he will be out indefinitely while he recovers from Jones Fracture surgery. Losing Wilkins is another big hit to the Raiders' defense.
More news: Raiders' Davante Adams Trade Could Happen Very Soon: Report
The team also lost defensive end Malcolm Koonce for the season, after he suffered a serious knee injury.
The Raiders are currently 2-3 and could be aiming to blow up the roster. Star wide receiver Davante Adams is currently deep in trade talks, and Las Vegas might want to start securing draft capital for 2025.
For more on the Raiders, head to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines