BREAKING: Mark Davis Raiders Officially’ Announce Signing Of Former 1st-Round Pick At DE Amid Injury News’ 1 More Player To PS….
The Las Vegas Raiders have responded to injury woes along their defensive line by signing former Jacksonville Jaguars first-round pick K’Lavon Chaisson to their practice squad. This strategic move comes after injuries to defensive ends Malcolm Koonce and Tyree Wilson, both of whom are sidelined following the Raiders’ Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Koonce, who suffered a knee injury, has been placed on injured reserve, and while Wilson’s injury—a knee sprain—is not expected to be long-term, it has left the team needing reinforcements.
Chaisson, drafted 20th overall by the Jaguars in the 2020 NFL Draft, played four seasons in Jacksonville, appearing in 57 games with 11 starts. His career totals include 72 tackles, five sacks, and 11 tackles for loss. However, he never fully lived up to his first-round billing, with inconsistent production and a Pro Football Focus grade that never exceeded 60.0 Despite this, Chaisson’s potential upside—he’s still only 25 years old—makes him an attractive option for the Raiders, who are seeking depth on the edge of their defensive line.
The Raiders have faced significant challenges in the pass-rush department. Their defensive anchor, Maxx Crosby, has been the primary source of consistent pressure, but the absence of Koonce and Wilson has left the team vulnerable in this area. Chaisson’s signing gives the Raiders an experienced, if unproven, option to bolster their depth and potentially take on a larger role as the season progresses.
In addition to the Chaisson signing, the Raiders added cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly to their practice squad. Kelly, a Las Vegas native and former Stanford standout, was drafted in the fifth round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. His local roots and recent collegiate experience offer the Raiders a developmental piece in their secondary, particularly as they continue to deal with injuries on the defensive side of the ball.
Both Chaisson and Kelly are expected to compete for playing time, especially given the Raiders’ injury issues. Head coach Antonio Pierce emphasized the importance of building depth on defense, particularly after the team’s Week 1 loss, where defensive lapses contributed to the Chargers’ 22-10 victory. Pierce highlighted the positives from that game, including a strong start and aggressive defensive play calling, but acknowledged the need to improve the pass rush and overall defensive consistency.
With these recent signings, the Raiders hope to shore up their defense as they look to rebound from a tough opening week. The additions of Chaisson and Kelly provide the team with both immediate reinforcements and potential long-term development options as they aim to remain competitive in the AFC West.
However, much will depend on how quickly the newly signed players can adapt to the Raiders’ system and make an impact on the field. Chaisson, in particular, will be under the microscope as he looks to prove himself and potentially revive his career in Las Vegas.
