Raiders’ Malcolm Koonce Out for the Season Due to Knee Injury

HENDERSON, Nev. – The Las Vegas Raiders will be without defensive end Malcolm Koonce for the remainder of the season following a knee injury he sustained during practice just three days prior to the team’s season opener. This update was confirmed by a team source late Friday evening.

Koonce, who had enjoyed his best season last year with eight sacks and three forced fumbles, was poised to make a significant impact heading into a contract year. He was placed on injured reserve on September 8. In his absence, Charles Snowden stepped up and started the Raiders’ first two games, filling the gap opposite Maxx Crosby, a three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher.

Compounding the Raiders’ challenges, second-year defensive end Tyree Wilson also faced setbacks after suffering a knee injury during the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. Consequently, Wilson missed the team’s second game against the Baltimore Ravens. In response to the injury concerns, the Raiders added former first-round draft pick K’Lavon Chaisson to their practice squad. Chaisson was later elevated to the active roster and participated in the game against the Ravens before being reverted back to the practice squad, with the potential for another elevation in future games.

Fortunately for the Raiders, Wilson, selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2023 draft, is set to make his return in the team’s upcoming home opener against the Carolina Panthers at Allegiant Stadium, as confirmed by Raiders coach Antonio Pierce.

Koonce, 26, had been seen the day before his injury wearing a sleeve on his right knee, which raised concerns about his condition even before the incident. His unfortunate injury leaves a noticeable gap in the team’s defensive lineup.

As it stands, Maxx Crosby remains the sole source of production in the pass-rushing game for the Raiders. He accounted for all three of the team’s sacks through the first two games and was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week following an impressive performance against the Ravens. In that game, Crosby recorded six tackles, four of which were for loss, two sacks, and also registered a pass deflection. However, he too faced an injury scare, suffering a left ankle injury during the game’s final moments. His status for the upcoming matchup against the Panthers remains uncertain, as he practiced in a limited capacity throughout the week.

The season has already been a challenging one for the Raiders, with injuries impacting their defensive strategy significantly. With the loss of Koonce and the uncertainty surrounding Crosby, the coaching staff will need to adjust their game plans accordingly. The team’s depth will be tested as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in upcoming games.

As the Raiders prepare to face the Panthers, the focus will be on ensuring that key players can perform at their best while navigating the challenges posed by injuries. With Wilson returning and potential further adjustments in the roster, the Raiders are eager to turn their attention toward getting back in the win column.

Source: News Reports