In the meanwhile, the Raiders needed to locate a successor. According to an October 10 X post by KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson, the team has signed veteran defensive tackle Zach Carter.
Carter was the Cincinnati Bengals’ third-round pick in 2022. He started 16 games over the last three seasons, but was recently released by the organization. He has 55 total tackles and one sack in his career.
The Raiders don’t need him to make a big difference, but he will add depth to a defensive line that is getting thin. He won’t contribute much in terms of pass rush, but he can be a solid run defender. Las Vegas allows 131.8 running yards per game, so Carter will have a chance to carve out a role if he plays well.
Raiders acquire Ben Brown from Patriots.
This week’s injury list for the Raiders included two starting guards. Jackson Powers-Johnson is suffering from a knee injury, while Dylan Parham has an Achilles problem. The Raiders’ depth at the position will be tested further, which is why they decided to sign center/guard Ben Brown from the New England Patriots’ practice squad, according to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur.
Brown spent the whole offseason with the Raiders and began the season on the team’s practice squad before joining the Patriots. He’s a sensible option for Las Vegas, as he should be familiar with the offensive system. He could be added to the active roster in Week 6 if Powers-Johnson and Parham are unable to play.
Insider Talks. How Will Raiders Replace Wilkins?
Replacing a player like Wilkins is difficult enough on its own, but it is made even more difficult by the fact that starting defensive end Malcolm Koonce is out for the season and Maxx Crosby is currently recovering from an ankle injury.
The Raiders’ defensive line could be in peril, but The Athletic has examined how the team could replace Wilkins.
“That’s four important defensive starters now out for the Raiders, who already lost pass rusher Malcolm Koonce and safety Marcus Epps for the season while linebacker Divine Deablo has missed three games with an oblique injury,” Tafur wrote in a piece on October 8th. “The Raiders offered Wilkins $85 million guaranteed to form a 1-2 punch up front with Maxx Crosby (who has been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2), but will now rely on veterans John Jenkins and Adam Butler to fill in the gaps.
“They also think nose tackle Nesta Jade Silvera and rookie Jonah Laulu, who they claimed off waivers from the Colts in August, have some pass-rush potential.”
The Raiders will rely heavily on Crosby, but they also need young guys to come up. Tyree Wilson, a former top-10 pick, has yet to record a sack this season. He needs to start playing better if this defence is to improve.
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