The Las Vegas Raiders had a couple of important updates on Wednesday as they prepare to open their season hosting the Miami Dolphins for Week 1 on Sept. 13. After using the No. 1 pick on Fernando Mendoza, Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak officially named veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as the starter against Miami. The announcement didn't come as a surprise, as Las Vegas was expected to exercise patience with Mendoza until he was ready to lead the offense.
The Raiders revealed a devastating update for rookie defensive end Keyron Crawford. The third-round pick will miss the entire season after suffering an Achilles injury. More news: ESPN Analyst: Lamar Jackson, Ravens Could Be Heading for Divorce More news: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts "Raiders HC Klint Kubiak also said rookie DE Keyron Crawford has an Achilles injury which is why he will miss the entire 2026 season," Jesse Merrick of Silver & Black Sports Network posted on X.
Crawford suffered the injury in the Raiders' final preseason contest against the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 27. Crawford earned third-team All-SEC honors last season with Auburn. He played two seasons with Arkansas State before transferring to Auburn before the 2024 campaign.
Earlier in camp, Crawford said he wanted to bring a relentless energy to the Raiders defense. "I bring the relentlessness, I bring the effort, I bring the passion, but also just being able to explore with the other guys is the main point, the main focus, as far as being a part of the Raiders," Crawford said, via the Raiders. "Because we can have every last component, every last bit of energy, but if we're not all connected as one, it doesn't mean anything.
"I'm a part of the Raiders, but I want to be able to actually contribute [so] everybody can feel the energy and the love that I bring towards the game." Unfortunately for Crawford and the Raiders, he won't be able to bring that energy to the field this season. But the promising pass-rusher will have an opportunity to make an impact in his second season with Las Vegas. For more on the Raiders and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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