The Las Vegas Raiders took a big swing in free agency last offseason under then-general manager Tom Telesco. He signed former Miami Dolphins star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year deal worth up to $110 million.
Wilkins was supposed to be the missing piece on the Raiders' defensive line alongside All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby and emerging players like edge rusher Malcolm Koonce and defensive tackle Adam Butler.
Unfortunately, Wilkins broke his foot in Week 5 and never returned to the lineup. He has also yet to participate in Las Vegas' offseason program this year under new head coach Pete Carroll as he continues to recover from his injury.
Las Vegas' rookies reported to training camp on Thursday, and the veterans will report on Tuesday. Practices are set to begin next week, and Wilkins' status was unknown until Friday.
On Friday, the Raiders announced that Wilkins would be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. This means that he will not be available for the beginning of training camp in Las Vegas.
Fortunately for the Silver and Black, however, Wilkins' season is not over. The Raiders acknowledged in the same announcement that he can return at any time during the preseason.
"Players on the PUP list can return at any time during training camp and the preseason," the Raiders wrote. "However, if they are still on the PUP list after the 53-man roster deadline, they must miss at least four games before being eligible to return."
If Wilkins is still not physically ready by the start of the season, then perhaps new general manager John Spytek would look to add another member to the defensive tackle room. However, it seems like the Raiders are not sounding the alarms yet.
In just four complete games last season, Wilkins recorded 2.0 sacks and 17 tackles for the Raiders, including two for a loss.
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