There are some questions coming into the 2023 NFL season regarding the defense of the Las Vegas Raiders as it was definitely underwhelming last year. One area with some potential to be a strong suit on that side of the ball is the pass rush led by Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby, veteran Chandler Jones and rookie first-round pick Tyree Wilson.
Wilson’s physical attributes are outstanding at 6’6 and over 270 pounds, and he had some great moments at Texas Tech. He has the potential to be a game-changer at the NFL level but has yet to show that for the Raiders throughout the offseason and start training camp as he has been recovering from injury.
Wilson suffered a foot injury in November that ended his final collegiate season and has yet to take part in any workout, but that is now set to change. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Wilson has been activated from the non-football injury list and is now cleared to practice:
Raiders activated first-round DE Tyree Wilson from the NFI list and he now is cleared to practice.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 16, 2023
This is excellent news for the Raiders, who have maintained optimism that Wilson will be ready to go once the regular season begins. They will undoubtedly bring him back slowly and ensure he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, but this does seem to be a good sign pointing in the direction of him being on the field for the season opener.
Wilson has so much potential, and he flashed that during his time at Texas Tech. Over the past two seasons, Wilson totaled 14 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss as he wreaked havoc in the backfield of the opposition. And under the tutelage of Crosby and Jones, there is plenty of belief that the Raiders will be able to get the best out of the rookie over time.
The Raiders likely won’t be reliant on Wilson early on, especially as he’s gotten a late start having missed all of the offseason workouts and the start of training camp. But this will allow the start of the process to get him up to speed and ultimately make an impact on the team as the season progresses.
Between Wilson and second-round pick tight end Michael Mayer the Raiders have a pair of rookies who can make a huge impact for the team this season. And now Wilson will get his first opportunity to show what he can do.
