Injuries are a part of the game and teams somewhat expect to deal with these setbacks. However, the Las Vegas Raiders will have a lot of contemplating to do after the unfortunate news broke out on September 5: DE Malcolm Koonce sustained a knee injury during practice shortly before the Raiders’ season-opener against the Chargers. There were rumors that the severity of Koonce’s injury could keep him out for the rest of the season, but NFL insider Jordan Schultz has now confirmed that the rumors are in fact true: the third-year defensive end is set to miss the remainder of the season.
It’s a major blow to Raiders fans who witnessed Koonce’s phenomenal run during the latter part of last season. The former Buffalo Bulls player, who was selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, recorded a career-high eight sacks in 2023, including six in his last four games. Koonce was poised to have an exceptional campaign in 2024, but will now have to settle for the sidelines.
The 26-year-old has flourished under new head coach Antonio Pierce and was a key factor in the Raiders’ defensive prowess during the second half of the season. Losing him will definitely be a hard pill to digest, given the newfound team chemistry that was witnessed on the field late last year. The Raiders came into the 2024 season with hopes of fielding a formidable defensive line of Maxx Crosby, Koonce, and Christian Wilkins, but will now have to search for answers.
Season Outlook Without Malcolm Koonce
The Raiders thought they had put their opening game loss to the Chargers behind them after securing the win in Baltimore. But getting blown out by a Carolina Panthers team led by 36-year-old quarterback Andy Dalton highlighted Vegas’ defensive problems yet again.
The season could well be over for the Raiders, with their current odds to make the playoffs sitting at +375 on most sportsbooks. Regardless, Raiders fans who fancy their team’s chances of qualifying for postseason football can use this ultimate guide to learn more about sports betting in the State of Nevada and how to place bets correctly.
It is worth noting, though, that without Koonce, Pierce’s defensive unit will have a hard time getting to the quarterback, a problem that will persist should they fail to find a replacement quickly. While the available options on the table are slim, the Raiders could look inward or monitor the trade market for a viable solution.
Internal Options to Replace Malcolm Koonce
Raiders’ general manager Tom Telesco now has some work on his hands as he looks to find the right replacement for Koonce’s defensive and playmaking abilities. Las Vegas has a couple of options to consider at defensive end: Second-year defensive end Tyree Wilson showed flashes of brilliance last season and will be looking to step up.
But Wilson, who was selected seventh overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, is also recovering from a knee injury which he sustained during the Raiders opening game loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He was also ruled out of the Raiders’ road victory against the Baltimore Ravens but returned to the Silver and Black’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers.
The Raiders could also look to Janarius Robinson and Charles Snowden who have been called from the practice squad after impressing during the preseason. Then there’s K’Lavon Chaisson, who recently signed with the Raiders after he was cut by the Panthers.
Other Potential Replacements
Aside from fielding available options in the squad, Telesco could look into the market to find a replacement for Koonce ahead of the November 5 trade deadline. While it’s unclear who is available to be traded, the Raiders will definitely be monitoring the situation between linebacker Hasson Reddick and the New York Jets.
The 2x Pro Bowler is refusing to cooperate with the Jets over contract talks, a fallout that has been well-documented since the off-season. Reddick requested a trade in the summer and failed to show up to training camp. The 30-year-old veteran is also yet to feature in any game for the Jets this season and could be a valuable piece for the Raiders.
A trade for Reddick could mean giving up Davante Adams who has been on the Jets’ radar for some time now. Adams has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Raiders and could fancy playing with Aaron Rodgers in New York.
Should the Raiders decide to keep Adams, however, a trade for Reddick could mean letting go of future assets. Reddick could also take up a huge portion of cap space, which could affect reinforcement in other areas on the pitch.
A less expensive option for Las Vegas would be former player Yannick Ngakoue, who impressed with the team in 2021 before he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts the following year. Ngakoue had the second-best season of his career playing alongside Crosby. Now in his ninth year as a pro, the Baltimore Ravens defensive end could return to Vegas and could play a key role in the Raiders’ playoffs aspirations if he still has some great performances left in him.
Wilson should get cut. One bull rush that he can’t even disengage from. Always falling down. This exotic defense Graham has enlisted having Adam Butler and Snowden in coverage 20 yards downfield is a joke. Masterson is a joke and so is Eichenberg. You’ve got coverage talent in Gainer and Burney that aren’t even used. It’s a joke watching the same result without a personnel change. Sam Webb is as good as any corner we have and he’s buried too. And Moerig and Epps were the worst coverage safety’s in the league.
Tyree Wilson was supposed to be that guy but so far he looks like another Raider miss.
This article was sailing along until Hasson Reddick was brought up then it crashed into the side of a mountain. First off Reddick is a linebacker which in no way, shape or form could replace a DE edge rusher. Secondly, he is rusty, Thirdly he has a bad attitude and disposition that the Raider locker room can’t put up with, fourthly he is 30 years old (which is 92 in NFL Lineman terms) and finally, there is no way in any sane mind would ever tie Devante Adams with Hasson for a trade. Devante is worth (but won’t get) a second rounder, a backup offensive lineman and to take over his salary. Hasson is worth… what? maybe a fourth rounder and swapping 7th round picks at best?
Plus, my money is on Devante staying a Raider.