Breaking News: Raiders Coach Pete Carroll Considers Cutting Lonnie Johnson Jr. After Injury Setback

In a shocking turn of events following Saturday’s practice, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll revealed that safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. suffered a “significant” lower leg injury. Johnson Jr., who was carted off the field after a freak accident, has now become the center of attention, not only for his injury but for the possibility of his future with the team.

The incident occurred during an outside run, when defensive lineman Maxx Crosby inadvertently tripped over teammate Isaiah Pola-Mao. The collision sent Crosby tumbling, causing him to roll up onto the back of Johnson Jr.’s leg, resulting in the injury. The freakish nature of the play left fans and teammates stunned, as the injury unfolded in such an unpredictable manner.

Johnson Jr., signed by the Raiders in the 2025 offseason, was brought in as a veteran safety with the expectation of adding depth and leadership to the secondary. However, with his injury potentially sidelining him for an extended period, Coach Carroll has expressed concerns about the impact on the team’s depth chart. Despite Johnson’s leadership potential, the injury has left the Raiders coaching staff reevaluating their roster moves.

“There’s no question that Lonnie is a solid player with a lot of experience, but with this injury and the way our roster is shaping up, we’ll have to see how things play out,” said Carroll. “We’re committed to building a championship-caliber team, and every decision we make has to reflect that goal.”

While Carroll did not explicitly confirm that Johnson Jr. would be cut, he made it clear that the Raiders are considering all options, including potential roster changes. The injury is expected to keep Johnson Jr. off the field for some time, and with training camp in full swing, the Raiders will need to make quick decisions regarding the future of their defensive unit.

As the situation develops, the Raiders’ front office and coaching staff will closely monitor Johnson Jr.'s recovery and make a determination based on his progress. Fans and analysts alike will be waiting to see if this injury leads to a permanent departure or if Johnson Jr. can return to prove his worth to the team.