Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is going to injured reserve after having surgery for a broken foot and will be out for an unknown amount of time, according to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity since no official announcement has been made.
Wilkins was injured during Sunday’s 34-18 loss to Denver. He suffered a Jones fracture, which is a break in the bone connecting the pinkie toe to the base of the foot.
Being placed on IR means Wilkins will miss at least the next four games. The Raiders will host Pittsburgh this Sunday.
This is another setback for the Raiders’ defensive line.
Defensive end Malcolm Koonce is out for the season due to a torn ACL, and pass rusher Maxx Crosby missed one game because of a high ankle sprain but returned to play against the Broncos.
The Raiders have also faced challenges at linebacker, with Divine Deablo (oblique) and Luke Masterson (knee) not available for the game against the Broncos.
Wilkins, regarded as one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL, was the Raiders’ most significant free agent signing this year, agreeing to a four-year, $110 million contract that included $82.75 million guaranteed.
He spent the last five seasons with Miami and is coming off a year where he had nine sacks and 23 quarterback hits. This season, Wilkins has two sacks and six quarterback hits.
