The Raiders’ pass rush was already shorthanded to begin the campaign, and the unit was dealt another blow on Sunday. Tyree Wilson suffered a knee sprain during the team’s loss to the Chargers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. 
Rapoport notes Wilson’s knee is intact. While further testing is yet to take place, that is an encouraging sign the worst-case scenario has been avoided. Nevertheless, Wilson could be in line for missed time, something which would exacerbate the absence of Malcolm Koonce. A knee injury suffered during practice this week landed Koonce on injured reserve, and he is in danger of missing the entire 2024 campaign.
Wilson was in line to handle an increased workload in the wake of Koonce’s injury. The 2023 seventh overall pick logged a 44% snap share as a rookie, although his production fell short of expectations. Wilson totaled 3.5 sacks, a stark contrast to the eight Koonce managed while operating opposite Maxx Crosby. Missed time will halt Wilson’s development, although a long-term absence may not be in store for him.
Given the injuries suffered along the edge, though, Vegas will likely be in the market for an addition. Head coach Antonio Pierce said on Monday general manager Tom Telesco is “working on” bringing in depth options at the defensive end spot (h/t Vic Tafur of The Athletic). It would come as no surprise if free agent workouts including some of the top veterans on the market were to take place over the coming days.
Carl Lawson, Yannick Ngakoue, Romeo Okwara and Shaq Lawson are among the most experienced edge defenders who are unsigned at the moment. The Raiders currently have nearly $28.5MM in cap space, so a short-term addition would certainly be feasible. How the team proceeds will no doubt be heavily influenced by Wilson’s prognosis, but Vegas will be worth watching in the near future with respect to a signing aimed at providing depth.
Raiders fans are undefeated champions in over-valuing hyped prospects based on Combine numbers instead of college tape lol.
The Gruden and McDaniels regimes were a joke, but this draft was not bad at all…yet.
Are you a Raiders fan? Because not many if any were excited about Tyree. That was a Josh McDaniels pick. Raider fans have no say on the draft. If we did. Tyree would not be a Raider. Not writing the kid off but was never excited about the pick. I think I can speak for the one nation the Raider nation there.
Use your noggin as a grand total of 0 team fans have any say in who the team actually drafts. Get over yourself.
Time to bring back Aldon Smith 🙂
Where is Chandler Jones?
I’m pretty sure Yannick Ngackoue was a Raider at one point, he would probably adapt the quickest.
He is the best available that’s left IMO