Las Vegas Raiders Get Troubling View Of Rehab For Big 2024 Free Agent Pickup

The Las Vegas Raiders’ marquee defensive signing from last offseason, Christian Wilkins, remains in recovery mode from a Jones fracture in his foot suffered last October — and with training camp approaching, concern is mounting over his status.

Wilkins, who inked a four-year, $110 million deal with $57.5 million fully guaranteed, was spotted this week at Kyle Van Noy’s charity golf event wearing a walking boot on his left foot. It’s the latest sign that the standout defensive tackle is not close to returning to football activities.

Christian Wilkins Still in Walking Boot, Las Vegas Raiders Star’s Return Timeline in Doubt

NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos
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Head coach Pete Carroll previously described Wilkins’ rehab as a “challenging process,” adding in May that the 29-year-old is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp. That prognosis now appears accurate, if not optimistic.

Wilkins was off to a strong start in his debut season with Las Vegas before the injury, posting 17 tackles, two sacks, and six quarterback hits in just five games. The former first-round pick had been remarkably durable in Miami, not missing a game since 2020 prior to the setback.

His prolonged absence comes as the Raiders continue their efforts to build a capable defensive front around Maxx Crosby, whose dominance has not been matched by recent additions. The Chandler Jones experiment flamed out off the field, and 2023 first-rounder Tyree Wilson has yet to emerge.

Now, with Wilkins’ 2026 salary already guaranteed and the team having restructured his deal earlier this year, the Raiders may have limited flexibility even if concerns about his availability persist.

While Jones fractures have varied recovery timelines — with players like Derrick Henry and Deebo Samuel returning within months — Wilkins appears to be on the longer end. With camp just weeks away, Las Vegas faces the real possibility of starting 2025 without one of its highest-paid players.

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