As training camp gets underway in Henderson, the Las Vegas Raiders will be without one of their most significant offseason investments. On Friday, the team officially placed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, a move that had grown increasingly likely as his recovery from foot surgery continued into the summer.
Wilkins, who signed a four-year, $110 million contract with the Raiders in March 2024—including $84.75 million guaranteed—remains in the middle of what head coach Pete Carroll has described as a “long, challenging process” to return to the field.
“He’s not ready to get back out [on the field],” Carroll told reporters earlier this offseason. “We’re in the midst of a long and challenging process. So fortunately, there’s a lot of time, and we’re going to take every bit of it.”
Slow Recovery After Jones Fracture
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Wilkins’ 2024 season was cut short after just five games due to a Jones fracture in his foot, a notoriously difficult injury for linemen to recover from. He underwent season-ending surgery in early October and was held out of all offseason work. As recently as late June, Wilkins was still spotted in a walking boot, raising questions about his timeline.
The PUP designation allows the Raiders flexibility. Wilkins can be activated at any time before the roster is trimmed to 53 players, and the move ensures the team can continue monitoring his recovery without forcing an early return.
A Key Piece Worth Waiting For
Despite the slow progress, there’s little doubt about Wilkins’ importance to the Raiders’ plans—both short- and long-term. The 29-year-old was signed to anchor the interior of a revamped defensive front, bringing both high-end production and leadership after five seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
A first-round pick out of Clemson in 2019, Wilkins had become one of the league’s most disruptive interior defenders by the end of his rookie contract. In five games last year with Las Vegas, he registered 17 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits before the injury derailed his debut campaign.
Patience Now, Pressure Later
While Las Vegas hopes to have Wilkins back before Week 1, the organization appears committed to a cautious approach. With the season still weeks away, Carroll and the front office understand the risk of rushing a player who represents such a significant financial and football investment.
The Raiders’ defense showed flashes of growth under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham last season, but Wilkins was brought in to raise the ceiling. If healthy, he figures to play a central role alongside Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce in turning the unit into a consistent strength.
For now, the Raiders will wait—publicly patient, privately hopeful.