Raiders' defensive tackle Christian Wilkins is in the building at the team's voluntary offseason workouts, yet the field remains off-limits for him. Wednesday's session showed him without a walking boot, but the absence of a helmet spoke volumes about his current status.
Following surgery in early October to address a Jones fracture in his foot, Wilkins isn't quite game-ready, according to Coach Pete Carroll. "Every day he's here early, working hard, but we're still working," said Carroll, pointing out the meticulous rehabilitation process Wilkins is undergoing. "He’s not ready to get back out. We're in the midst of a long, challenging process."
There's no rush, though. Carroll emphasized the importance of taking the time needed for Wilkins' recovery. "Fortunately, there's a lot of time, and we're going to take every bit of it. We've really tried to be really diligent in the way we've worked it and the way we've wanted it," adds Carroll, clearly focused on getting Wilkins back to form, with the player’s full cooperation. "It's been challenging."
Wilkins, a 2019 first-round pick by the Dolphins, had an unbroken game streak since 2020 until injury struck during an Oct. 6 matchup against the Broncos. In his debut season with the Raiders, after signing a hefty four-year, $110 million contract, Wilkins amassed 17 tackles, two sacks, and six quarterback hits over five games.
The 29-year-old spent five seasons with the Dolphins, and now his new chapter with the Raiders is momentarily paused as he tackles recovery one day at a time.
