Koonce will undergo season-ending knee surgery next week, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports. Koonce sustained a knee injury during practice leading up to Week 1 against the Chargers. There was optimism that the 2021 third-round pick could return during the regular season, but following additional evaluations on his knee, it was determined that surgery is best for Koonce's long-term health, per Reed. Koonce entered the season with high hopes after breaking through in 2023, finishing with 43 tackles (32 solo), including 8.0 sacks, and three forced fumbles across 17 regular-season games. He will enter the 2025 offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
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Status
IR - Knee - Surgery Expected Return: 2025-02-10Latest Malcolm Koonce news
Team
Las Vegas Raiders
Birthdate
6/6/1998 (26)
Status
Injured Reserve
HT/WT
6'3", 250 lbs
Draft Info
2021: Rd 3; Pk (LV)
Birthplace
Peekskill, NY, USA
Position
DE
College
Buffalo
Experience
4 seasons
Career History
Las Vegas Raiders
2021-Present
(4 seasons)
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Koonce will undergo season-ending knee surgery next week, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports. Koonce sustained a knee injury during practice leading up to Week 1 against the Chargers. There was optimism that the 2021 third-round pick could return during the regular season, but following additional evaluations on his knee, it was determined that surgery is best for Koonce's long-term health, per Reed. Koonce entered the season with high hopes after breaking through in 2023, finishing with 43 tackles (32 solo), including 8.0 sacks, and three forced fumbles across 17 regular-season games. He will enter the 2025 offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
The Raiders placed Koonce (knee) on injured reserve Saturday. Koonce popped up on the injury report Thursday with a knee injury. He was ruled out for the Raiders' regular-season opener against the Chargers, and the 2021 third-round pick will now be forced to miss at least the first four games of the season. With Koonce sidelined, Janarius Robinson is set to see an increased role on the Raiders' defensive front alongside Maxx Crosby, John Jenkins and Christian Wilkins.
Head coach Antonio Pierce said Koonce is out for Sunday's game against the Chargers with knee soreness, Vic Tafur of The Athletic reports. Pierce did not expand on Koonce's injury or how it occured, but the defensive end will at least be out against Los Angeles. Janarius Robinson will likely assume the starting defensive end spot for Sunday, accompanying the front of Maxx Crosby, John Jenkins and Christian Wilkins. Koonce's next chance to see the field will be next Sunday against the Ravens.
Koonce was listed as a limited participant for Thursday's practice session due to a knee injury. Koonce was able to participate fully during Wednesday's practice, but he now appears to be nursing a knee injury. His participation level during Friday's session will provide a better indication for his availability for Week 1 against the Chargers on Sunday. Koonce played in all 17 regular-season games for the Raiders in 2023, and he finished with 43 tackles (32 solo), including 8.0 sacks, and three forced fumbles. The 2021 third-round pick is slated to start on the Raiders' defensive line alongside Maxx Crosby, John Jenkins and Christian Wilkins.