Las Vegas Raiders suffer blow ahead of opener

The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a major blow ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce told reporters Friday that defensive end Malcolm Koonce will miss Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Koonce appeared on Thursday’s injury report, having been listed as “limited” in Thursday’s practice with a knee injury.

The fourth-year Raider may have been the team’s most improved player last season, totaling 43 tackles, nine for losses and 8.0 sacks in all 17 games. He started 11 times.

Koonce won’t be the only Raider to miss Sunday’s game due to injury.

According to the final Raiders injury report for Week 1, which includes updates for Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Raiders rookie cornerback Decamerion Richardson is out for Week 1 with a hamstring injury. He did not participate in Friday’s practice.

The Raiders will also be without rookie guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (illness), who also missed Friday’s practice.

Raiders rookie linebacker Robert Spillane is questionable for Sunday’s game after being limited all week with a knee injury.

For the Chargers, receiver DJ Chark Jr. will be out with a hip injury. Chargers cornerbacks Tarheeb Still (hip) and Asante Samuel Jr. (shoulder) are doubtful.

The losses of Richardson, Powers-Johnson and possibly Eichenberg are all unfortunate for a team looking to develop its youth, but it’s important for the Raiders to protect those youngsters early on.

The Raiders will face the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PST/4:05 p.m. EST.

Be sure to follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr and never miss another breaking news story again.

Please feel free to share your thoughts with us when you like our Facebook page BY CLICKING HERE.