Expectations are excessive for the Raiders entrance seven in 2024, however the unit might be shorthanded to start the yr and probably effectively into the season. Defensive finish Malcolm Koonce was placed on injured reserve Saturday.
Consequently, he’ll miss at the least the primary 4 weeks of the season. Koonce suffered a knee damage in observe this week, however his absence may stretch far past September. ESPN’s Paul Guiterrez reports the ailment could possibly be season-ending.
Dropping Koonce for any prolonged stretch would mark a notable blow to Vegas’ move rush. Maxx Crosby stays atop the depth chart, and the three-time Professional Bowler might be counted on to ship one other impactful marketing campaign this yr. Koonce was set to function as the opposite starter on the defensive finish spot, nonetheless, after he set quite a few profession highs in 2023. The 26-year-old noticed a serious uptick in utilization final season, logging a 44 p.c snap share and making 11 begins (after completely enjoying in a rotational capability throughout his first two campaigns).
Koonce produced eight sacks, 17 quarterback hits and 23 pressures in 2023, setting the stage for an additional robust yr to conclude his rookie contract. The previous third-rounder was reported in July to be on the Raiders’ extension radar, and a second straight yr with robust manufacturing would have helped his worth significantly. Now, although, consideration will flip to restoration with staff and participant hoping he’ll capable of return sooner or later within the season.
Vegas chosen Tyree Wilson seventh general final yr with the hopes of utilizing him in a first-team position reverse Crosby. Issues didn’t go in response to plan, although, as Wilson recorded simply 3.5 sacks and logged a rotational workload. With Koonce out of the fold in the intervening time, the Texas Tech alum could possibly be in line for a bigger position than anticipated to start out the 2024 season.
In a corresponding transfer, the Raiders promoted Charles Snowden from the observe squad to the energetic roster. The 26-year-old has solely made two regular-season appearances in his profession; they got here with the Bears in 2021. Snowden might be a candidate for a depth position, as will 2023 fourth-rounder Janarius Robinson. Vegas’ marketing campaign begins on Sunday in opposition to the Chargers, however Koonce’s restoration timeline will show to be a key big-picture storyline for the staff.
