The Las Vegas Raiders suddenly find themselves reeling after an embarrassing loss to the Denver Broncos, which dropped them to 2-3 during the 2024 season.
The Raiders lost to the Broncos 34-18, making it the third time the team has lost by double digits. Las Vegas was shorthanded without Davante Adams and a hobbled Maxx Crosby, but that isn’t an excuse; they actually took the lead in the first quarter before completely falling apart.
Head coach Antonio Pierce and his coaching staff are searching for answers as they benched Gardner Minshew midway through the game. Aidan O’Connell got the nod, but he didn’t fare much better against the stout Broncos defense, and now it’s an open question as to who will start Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Unfortunately, the Raiders were dealt another massive blow as it Christian Wilkins underwent surgery for a foot injury and will be out indefinitely via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
Sources: #Raiders star DT Christian Wilkins is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to repair a Jones Fracture he suffered on Sunday.
Wilkins, Las Vegas’ big-money free agent acquisition, being out is a crushing blow in the middle of that defense. He’ll head to IR. pic.twitter.com/LdcTti9mqG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 8, 2024
Wilkins had been playing well for Las Vegas, recording 17 tackles, two sacks, and six quarterback hits, but now he will be shelved for what could very well be the rest of the season. Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million deal with Las Vegas in free agency, but now the team must find a way to replace his production along the defensive line.
The franchise as a whole is dealing with issue after issue, and it feels like the hits won’t stop coming for a team that started the season on a high note. With the trade deadline looming, some decisions will need to be made if they hope to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.
For now, though, the immediate concern is the defense, as an injured Crosby won’t be able to compensate for Wilkins’s loss by himself. Several players will need to step up, though it remains to be seen which will answer the call.
Raiders Prioritizing What’s Best for Team in Davante Adams Trade Talks
Adams officially requested a trade, and while he and the New York Jets are heavily linked to each other, the Raiders prioritize what’s best for the organization.
