Last offseason, the Raiders made a massive move in signing defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract. Wilkins had been one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the NFL, and bringing him was expected to finally alleviate some of the pressure on star defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Unfortunately, Wilkins’ first season with the Raiders lasted just five games as he would suffer a Jones fracture in his left foot, which required surgery and knocked him out for the rest of the year. Wilkins was expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season. However, with OTAs underway and mandatory minicamps around the corner, there are still some questions surrounding his recovery.
According to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, Wilkins has been in and out of a walking boot during the offseason with the Raiders remaining quiet about where he stands in regards to his recovery:
His injured foot was placed in a walking boot, but he was out of it by the end of the season. 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.
The Raiders have stayed quiet about Wilkins. Whether he’s at practice or not — and what he’s able to do if he’s there — will provide more clarity.
The idea that Wilkins had to return to a walking boot is certainly a concern and would indicate that his foot has not been healing as it was supposed to. At this point, Wilkins should have been completely recovered, but that isn’t the case, and now there will be questions about whether he will be healthy once the season begins.
A foot injury to someone of Wilkins’ size is undoubtedly much more difficult. However, the fact that an injury that usually takes a couple of months to heal is still an issue seven months later is a problem, and everyone will be closely monitoring Wilkins in the coming weeks as he is needed to be a crucial part of this Raiders defense.
Raiders to face Patriots in 2025 regular season opener
The hope is that Christian Wilkins will be healthy by the time the Raiders take the field for their regular season opener, and the defensive tackle will be needed as they will be on the road to take on the New England Patriots to kick off the 2025 season.
The game will feature several interesting subplots, including the return of former Raiders coach Josh McDaniels, now the Patriots’ offensive coordinator, facing his former team. Not to mention, Raiders minority owner Tom Brady is the greatest player in Patriots history and will almost definitely be in the building for the contest.
