In one of the most bizarre twists to the 2023 season, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in an unprecedented situation with Chandler Jones.
Shortly before the new season began, Jones made several accusations toward the Raiders organization that caught everyone off guard. Jones accused the team of now allowing him to work out at their facility and later blasted Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler.
After his social media outburst, Las Vegas decided to make Jones inactive for the team’s first two games. Without the veteran available, other players have had to step up though the depth has definitely taken a hit.
Without a resolution in sight, the Raiders ultimately decided to place Jones on the non-football illness list via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
Sources: #Raiders pass-rusher Chandler Jones has been placed on the non-football illness list as he deals with a personal issue. The team has stood behind him and no one has ruled out a return if his situation improves. pic.twitter.com/eWac9C8ane
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2023
Jones will be away from the team indefinitely as he and the team try to work out what’s been going on. McDaniels declined to provide any more details and continued to label the situation as a personal matter.
The 33-year-old’s absence puts a strain on the pass rush despite the presence of Maxx Crosby. Tyree Wilson and Malcolm Koonce have been working opposite of Crosby though they certainly could use someone like Chandler, who has more experience.
The Raiders have had their fair share of off-field drama over the years, but this ongoing situation with Jones should be considered one of the odd ones. Although Jones is in the second year of a three-year deal, it’s hard to imagine he’ll have a future with the organization even though they haven’t ruled out him returning this season.
For now, Las Vegas will have to make do with the players they have available and see if there’s any hope of working things out with Jones.
Chandler Jones looks thinner in social media posts
Entering the season, there was optimism Jones would be able to return to form as he conditioned himself and even said he felt faster. However, there are growing concerns about the veteran’s physique as he recently posted a photo of himself where he looks much thinner than he did during training camp.
