Breaking news: Las Vegas Raiders star ruled out even before the start of training camp due to injury.

In the hopes that a better defense in 2025 will lead to a comeback, the Las Vegas Raiders made significant offensive changes this summer. As the squad gets ready for the 2025 NFL season, Christian Wilkins, a star defensive tackle, will regrettably be unavailable for some time.

Since he originally had surgery to fix the problem that halted his 2024 campaign, Wilkins’ surgically healed foot has been “in and out” of a walking boot, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic. Even worse, according to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review Journal, he suffered a setback that will probably prevent him from participating in training camp when it begins in July. But it’s probably time to go back to August.

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll noted the “difficult recovery” that has hampered Wilkins’ comeback timeframe, as Tafur pointed out. Thankfully, there is still time for Las Vegas.

Last season, 29-year-old Wilkins agreed to a four-year, $110 million contract with Las Vegas. The Raiders’ defensive line duo, which included All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby, worked well together. It was a brief partnership, though, since Wilkins never played again after leaving the field in Week 5.

Wilkins is now still scheduled to play against the New England Patriots in Week 1. In order to give a big boost to a front that still finished 10th in the ESPN pass-rush win rate (43 percent) the previous season, Las Vegas is counting on Wilkins and edge rusher Tyree Wilson to remain healthy this season.

If Wilkins’ performance declined in 2025 or the surgically healed foot had another setback, he may be eligible for a post-June 1 release the following year. Las Vegas may designate him as a post-June 1 cut next offseason to generate $25.75 million in salary savings, since he carries a $35.675 million cap hit in 2026. However, he remains a cornerstone of the organization’s defense for the time being.