Raiders lose defensive lineman to foot injury indefinitely
The Raiders have been dealt a major blow to their defensive line.
Christian Wilkins, who signed a four-year, $110 million contract with the team in March, will be out indefinitely after suffering a serious foot injury in Sunday’s 34-18 loss to the Broncos.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Wilkins underwent surgery to correct a Jones fracture, a break of the bone that joins the pinkie toe to the base of the foot.
The 28-year-old suffered the injury in the second quarter Sunday. He played through it before retreating to the locker room near the end of the first half. People who undergo Jones fracture surgery often have to keep weight off their foot for six to eight weeks before even beginning rehabilitation, according to the University of Iowa.
Wilkins’ injury represents yet another blow to the Raiders defense, which was already down several starters.
Defensive end Malcolm Koonce and safety Marcus Epps are out for the year with knee injuries. Linebacker Divine Deablo has missed two straight games with an oblique injury. Deablo’s backup, Luke Masterson, was put on injured reserve last week with a knee injury.
The Raiders will likely move veteran defensive tackle Adam Butler into the starting lineup in place of Wilkins.
Younger defensive linemen like Nesta Jade Silvera and Jonah Laulu should get increased playing time as well.
“Adam’s been a spark plug for us,” coach Antonio Pierce said Monday. “Everybody talks about Christian and that big signing. But Adam Butler has really made some impact plays for us.”
Wilkins has 17 tackles, six quarterback hits and two sacks this year.
He had 355 tackles, 50 quarterback hits and 20½ sacks his first five NFL seasons in Miami.
Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X..
