Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak revealed at a press conference on Wednesday it was an Achilles injury that led to Keyron Crawford being placed on season-ending injured reserve thus ending the edge rusher's rookie year before it even started.
Crawford suffered the injury during Las Vegas’ final preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 27, ending a promising summer for the Raiders’ third-round pick from this year’s draft. The Auburn product had emerged as a developing pass-rush option for the team and was expected to contribute behind Maxx Crosby and Kwity Paye in 2026.
The season-ending designation represents a significant setback for both Crawford and the Raiders, who will enter the regular season without one of their top young
players. Crawford’s absence has Patrick Johnson in line to have a bigger role at edge rusher in Las Vegas next season.
Kubiak and his staff will now have to redistribute Crawford’s defensive snaps while managing the rookie’s long-term rehabilitation.
The Raiders will begin the regular season on Sept. 13 against the Miami Dolphins, with Crawford expected to spend the season recovering from the Achilles injury.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders HC reveals DE Keyron Crawford suffered Achilles injury
