When the Pittsburgh Steelers square off with the Las Vegas Raiders this week, they will have one less star defender to contend with. On Tuesday, the Raiders placed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins on IR.
Wilkins is on IR due to having surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his foot. He is out indefinitely and they team offered no specific timetable for a return. Wilkins came over to the Raiders this offseason from Miami Dolphins as one of the biggest free-agent signings of the offseason. He’s a former No. 13 overall pick.
The absence of Wilkins should make life easier for a Steelers offensive line that continues to shuffle starting spots and struggle with growing pains associated with two rookies as starters.
Raiders DT Christian Wilkins out indefinitely and will be placed on IR. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/9UnAsvpFU4
— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2024
The Steelers defense is going to be short-handed as well. Head coach Mike Tomlin has ruled out edge rushers Nick Herbig and Demarvin Leal after both suffered injuries last weekend against the Dallas Cowboys.
