The second week of preseason is officially underway, with the first game scheduled between the Houston Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders. A dominant outing for last year’s playoff team, the game has been as one-sided as it can be.
But for the Raiders, it also served as a heartbreaking night, as cornerback Chigozie Anusiem suffered a devastating injury that led to him being carted off the field.
Fans Sympathize With Chigozie Anusiem
A California native, Anusiem split time at the collegiate level between California and Colorado State. After a solid run, he wasn’t selected in the 2024 NFL Draft before being picked up by the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent.
In the two years since, he’s split time with the practice squads of the Cleveland Browns and the Arizona Cardinals. He even suited up for a game with the Browns during the 2024 campaign and signed a two-year, $2,035,000 contract with the Raiders last season.
Playing in three games for them, the hope was that he could help improve a Raiders unit that ranked at number 16 on PFN’s Defense Impact Metric. Unfortunately, he might not be much help to them this season.
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During the third quarter, a brutal-looking injury to his lower leg drew out the entire Raiders roster onto the field. Anusiem had to be carted off the field, and his status is now in serious question. Aaron Wilson provided a video, writing, “#Raiders corner Chigozie Anusiem carted off field.”
#Raiders corner Chigozie Anusiem carted off field pic.twitter.com/ICBiNHv2PI
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 21, 2026
The love for Anusiem poured in, as the reaction from the rest of the locker room made it clear how much he was adored.
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One fan wrote, “Prayers up for Chigozie Anusiem, who was taken out with a serious-looking lower leg injury,” while sharing a different angle as he was carted off.
Prayers up for Chigozie Anusiem who was taken out with a serious looking lower leg injury🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/eunWCdstrm
— Mike Dubberly GDA (@MikeDubberlyGDA) August 21, 2026
Social media was flooded with messages stating, “Prayers for Anusiem,” as others wanted to hope, “Hope Chigozie Anusiem is ok.”
Another fan wrote, “Hate to see tragic injuries this early. Hope Chigozie Anusiem gunna be ok.”
Prayers for Anusiem🙏🏾
— J (@aasportsX5) August 21, 2026
It remains to be seen how the injury plays out for him, but the brutality of the hit has called his status for the entire season, let alone this game, into question.
There isn’t a detailed update yet, but fans should hear from head coach Klint Kubiak in the near future.
