As part of their efforts to revamp the linebacker corps this offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Tanner Muse with one of their three third-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.
However, none of the picks have panned out just yet for Las Vegas with wide receiver Bryan Edwards still dealing with a foot injury and wide receiver Lynn Bowden being traded to the Miami Dolphins.
Unfortunately, it appears Muse will be unable to break the cycle given his struggles this year. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, he will miss the rest of the 2020 NFL season after undergoing toe surgery:
#Raiders LB Tanner Muse had toe surgery Monday and will miss the rest of his rookie season, source said. A third-round pick, Muse had been on IR while trying non-surgical options and learning a new position in meetings. Now, focus on 2021. Full recovery expected.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 3, 2020
Muse’s toe injury had caused him to struggle throughout the duration of training camp and he ultimately began the year on injured reserve. On top of that, he was being tasked with making the switch from safety to linebacker due to his versatility and current needs on the roster.
As a result, the rookie was never officially able to make his debut for the Raiders this season. Rather than chance the prospect of further aggravating the injury, it seems all sides have decided to go with a fresh start for the 2021 NFL season.
The Raiders have had some trouble keeping their bevy of talented, young rookies healthy this year. Aside from Muse and Edwards, cornerback Damon Arnette also remains out with a broken thumb. They can at least take solace in the latter two being expected to make it back at some point in the year.
Despite the injuries, the defense for Las Vegas is coming off one of its most dominant outings of the year after allowing a mere six points in the win over the Cleveland Browns. They will look to keep that momentum going with a couple of favorable AFC West matchups versus the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos before hosting the Kansas City Chiefs over the next three weeks.
