Christian Wilkins’ health in question with recent OTA activity

This is cause for some concern, given Wilkins missed all but five games of last season due to a Jones fracture in his left foot. The veteran defensive tackle, who signed a four-year, $110 million contract to join the Raiders last offseason, was rumored to have suffered a setback earlier this week.

“His injured foot was placed in a walking boot, but he was out of it by the end of the season,” wrote Reed. “Then, earlier this offseason, his foot was placed back in a boot, according to team sources. He was back out of the boot during OTA workouts recently, but the back-and-forth has raised questions about his recovery process.”

Wilkins being inactive during OTAs suggest that the rumors of a setback are correct, but Reed also confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he was not in the boot. Therefore, there is the possibility that the Raiders are doing their due diligence and not wanting to risk Wilkins worsening any potential injury.

Until Wilkins is back on the field, it gives other defensive linemen a chance to show what they can do with extended time.

Veteran Adam Butler stepped in Wilkins’s place last season, and he was rewarded with a three-year contract to return to the Raiders this offseason. He will likely reprise his role if Wilkins were to miss any time, as would Jonah Laulu, the waiver claim who started seven games for the Raiders in his rookie year. Fourth-round pick Tonka Hemingway and sixth-round pick JJ Pegues would also see a boost in playing time early in their careers, as well.

Wilkins’s health takes the utmost priority, but the new Raiders regime of Pete Carroll and John Spytek will likely want to see where he fits their new vision of the team.