The cornerback position has been one disappointment after another this season for the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, one of their own has played their last snaps for the year.
Kyu Blu Kelly, on his third NFL team, went down with an injury on Sunday, facing off against the Denver Broncos. The lopsided AFC West showdown, another subsequent loss for the Silver and Black, saw Kelly tear his patellar tendon. That effectively ends his season and possibly the end of his run with the Raiders.
Let’s be frank, Kelly struggled mightily at times, simply overmatched in some games. In fact, he surrendered four touchdowns this year in pass coverage. That, according to Pro Football Reference’s advanced statistics. As a result, promising rookie Darien Porter will surely see his playing time increase in this final stretch. With Kelly now on the injured reserve list, the Raiders moved quickly to sign Chigozie Anusiem from the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad.
What should the Las Vegas Raiders do at cornerback now?
It’s been mostly bad news for the Raiders’ defense this season. Kelly’s unfortunate injury only adds to what many call one of the worst seasons in organization history.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Anusiem’s career, he played at Cal and Colorado State before entering the NFL in 2024. As an undrafted rookie, he spent the early part of his career with the Washington Commanders’ practice squad. Eventually, with the Cleveland Browns, he saw action in just one game that year.
You’d think that this latest development would present an opportunity for the coaching staff to roll out Decamerion Richardson and get him some playing time as well. The youth movement is underway for the Raiders; you might as well continue embarking on it. Thoughts, Raider Nation?
*Top Photo: Getty Images