Wilkins' latest injury comes as a big blow to the Raiders, who have had a number of injuries to its defensive starters.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who have been battling injuries, have added another player to the list ahead of their Week 6 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The club announced on Wednesday that defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery for a Jones fracture in his foot.
The 28-year-old sustained the injury during the Raiders’ 34-18 loss to the host Denver Broncos last week. The team has not offered any timeline for his return.
Wilkins, who signed a $110 million contract with the Raiders this year, started all five games this season and has 17 tackles, including two sacks.
His latest injury comes as a big blow to the Raiders, who have had a number of injuries to its defensive starters.
All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby missed the practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. The 27-year-old missed Week 4 due to the injury but returned for the Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos.
The other players who were missing from practice on Wednesday were WR Davante Adams (hamstring), TE Michael Mayer (personal), WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle), T Kolton Miller (knee/shoulder), G Jackson Powers-Johnson (knee), and RB Zamir White (groin).
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While Christian Wilkins will begin his rehabilitation process, the injury-riddled Raiders will host the Steelers in a Week 6 game on Sunday. The Las Vegas-based franchise is coming off a stinging 34-18 defeat at Denver.
The Raiders have had a shaky start this season. Amid the Davante Adams trade rumors, Las Vegas has suffered three heavy defeats in five games.
The team started their season campaign with an embarrassing defeat against the Los Angeles Chargers before defeating the Ravens seven days later.
Week 3 and 4 saw a similar pattern where the Raiders went down against the Panthers in Week 3 before making a comeback against the Browns a week later.
With Week 5 ending in defeat, the Raiders will be hoping to turn it around once again, but it would be a tough task against the Steelers who have arguably the best defense this season.
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed on Wednesday that the team will stick with O’Connell going forward.
O’Connell was picked over Gardner Minshew after he threw two interceptions during the team’s loss to the Broncos.
“I mean, it was a quarterback battle early on. Aidan started five games, and at this point, I think it’s best to go with Aidan going forward.”
O’Connell started the last nine games for the Raiders last season. He led the team to a 5-4 record in those games, including wins over the New York Giants and the New York Jets.
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