The Las Vegas Raiders have had very good injury luck this offseason, but they suffered their first major injury in the second preseason game against the Houston Texans. During the game, the action had to take a pause, as cornerback Chigozie Anusiem had to be carted off the field.
It was so serious that the entire team gathered around him as they waited. Whenever that happens, it’s important to expect the worst. Unfortunately for Anusiem, it was the worst-case scenario. The Raiders announced that the cornerback is headed to season-ending Injured Reserve.
– Placed CB Chigozie Anusiem on the Reserve/Injured List
Anusiem first entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signing of the Washington Commanders. He made his way to the Raiders last season and was able to play in three games.
He would’ve had a hard time making the roster this time around, as the team added a number of players to the secondary. Anusiem was an intriguing prospect. He’s got good size and speed for a cornerback. If he’s able to make a full recovery, he’ll have a chance to make a team next year. For now, he’ll be around the Raiders.
Raiders Secondary Could Have Bright Future
The Raiders’ secondary has been a revolving door for years. They haven’t been able to get consistent cornerback or safety play.
The team added four defensive backs in the draft and gave Eric Stokes a long-term extension in free agency. It’s possible that the Raiders might finally have a group of defensive backs who can stick around long-term.
There have been some struggles to start the preseason, but ESPN’s Ryan McFadden thinks the future is bright.
“The Raiders have struggled in coverage in two preseason games,” McFadden wrote. “Cardinals quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II combined for 16 straight completions in the first half last week, and Texans backup Davis Mills completed 11 of 15 passes for 93 yards in the first half Thursday night. The Raiders’ young secondary could be quite good in a season or two, but asking it to fix last season’s pass-coverage issues immediately might be too tall a task.”
Kubiak Talks Raiders’ Defense
The Raiders’ defense hasn’t looked very strong in the preseason, but it’s too early to be concerned. Defensive end Maxx Crosby hasn’t even played a game yet, and he’s the best defensive player.
Despite a rough start, the Raiders’ defense was able to turn things around against the Texans and help secure a win. Head coach Klint Kubiak was happy with what he saw.
“Being plus one in the turnover margin, that’s how you win games,” Kubiak told reporters. “So, with Rob [Leonard] taking it away, with our offense protecting the ball, that’s how you win. You’ve obviously got to score, but you’ve got to you got to win the turnover battle. That was a huge part of the game.”
The Raiders defense may have some growing pains early in the season, but there’s talent. It could end up being a big strength for the team, especially with so many question marks on offense.
Raiders Place Young Player on Season-Ending IR After Ugly Injury