In an unfortunate twist of fate, the Las Vegas Raiders will be without their promising pass rusher Malcolm Koonce for the rest of the season. Despite a promising start for the Silver and Black’s revamped defensive line, the team will have to do without No. 51 this year.
Please keep in mind that the Raiders haven’t announced anything yet, and none of their beat writers have confirmed the developments surrounding Koonce (as of this publication). The news broke recently via NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Commenting on the situation, Schultz elaborated a bit further (via X/Twitter).
BREAKING: Raiders pass rusher Malcolm Koonce suffered a serious knee injury during a recent practice and will miss the entire season, per multiple sources. A devastating blow for Koonce, who’s coming off a career-best 8 sacks and 3 forced fumbles and was entering the final year of his contract.
Sources say the team weighed several options with the hope that the injury wasn’t as severe and Koonce could return this season, but surgery will ultimately be required.
Something we should note regarding Schultz’ breaking story is regarding the nature of the injury. Is this related to his original injury, which landed him on the four-game injured reserve? We’ll likely get more details and an announcement from the Raiders themselves.
Raiders fans react to the unfortunate news surrounding Malcolm Koonce…
The fact is, Koonce was to play for a contract year this season. With so much money on the line, you could’ve been sure to see some of the best football that Koonce would’ve played up until this point. The offseason addition of Christian Wilkins has lived up to the hype in Sin City; imagine what it would’ve done for Koonce.
Now, we will have to reportedly wait another year to see this play out. Raider Nation was devastated to hear this, as you can imagine.
Koonce out for the season, that sucks man.
— RICH (@RRICH1990) September 20, 2024
This hurts man #RaiderNation https://t.co/jwk5QpCFMw
— Graphk Raider (@GraphkRaider) September 20, 2024
Genuinely devasted man
— JT (@CondorSZN) September 20, 2024
As far as the organization goes, it’s likely next man up in this unfortunate scenario.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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