HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is facing an uncertain recovery process from a broken foot suffered last season and isn’t close to returning, Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday.
Wilkins was at organized team activities practice, but did not participate. He received extra work on the side afterward.
“It’s been a difficult recovery and he’s done everything he needs to do,” Carroll said. “He’s been here every day. He’s here early working hard. He’s not ready to get back out. We’re in the midst of a long, challenging process. Fortunately, there’s a lot of time and we’re going to take every bit of it to be really diligent about the way we work.”
Wilkins, 29, was the Raiders’ marquee free-agent signing last year, agreeing to a four-year, $110 million contract with $82.75 million guaranteed.
He was expected to bolster a defensive line led by pass rushers Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce after making a career-high nine sacks in 2023 with Miami to go with his elite run-stopping ability. All three linemen, however, suffered season-ending injuries.
Wilkins had two sacks and 17 tackles in five games before injuring his foot, which required surgery. He suffered a Jones fracture — a break of the bone that connects the pinkie toe to the base of the foot.
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