After moving from the Miami Dolphins to the Las Vegas Raiders last offseason, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was expected to elevate his on-field performance in 2024. Playing alongside All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby was supposed to create new opportunities for both players.
Unfortunately, the former Clemson standout has struggled to stay healthy, playing in only five games during his first season with the Raiders. This week, there are growing concerns about Wilkins’ health in his second season in Las Vegas.
The Latest on Christian Wilkins’ Injury Rehab
A photograph shared from Kyle Van Noy’s charity golf event showed Wilkins wearing a walking boot once again, raising fresh worries about his lingering foot injury. Tashan Reed of The Athletic, who covers the Raiders, shared the image on his X account.
Wilkins, who signed a four-year, $110 million deal with the Raiders in 2024, has been dealing with complications from a Jones fracture he suffered last October.
Despite undergoing surgery and participating in offseason rehabilitation, his recovery is still ongoing. Typically, these injuries require three to four months of recovery time. However, studies indicate that the “refracture rate in athletes ranged from 4 to 12%, and incomplete healing ranged from 7 to 50%.”
For elite athletes, “the rate of refracture can be as high as 30% for intramedullary (IM) screw fixation and 10.5% for plate fixation.” Those high rates may stem from re-injury, improper screw placement, or incomplete healing due to athletes returning too soon.
#Raiders DT Christian Wilkins is back in a walking boot (he was in attendance at Kyle Van Voy’s charity golf challenge yesterday). It’s the same foot where he suffered a Jones Fracture last October. pic.twitter.com/Uyro8XWUrD
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) June 24, 2025
This latest development follows a rollercoaster of updates this offseason. Wilkins had previously shed the boot and was seen in OTAs, albeit in a limited capacity. However, this recent photograph raises concerns for a Raiders organization counting on the highly-paid defensive tackle.
The Raiders had high hopes for Wilkins when they brought him over from the Dolphins, where he had established himself as a dominant interior presence and a key voice in the locker room. Now, there are growing concerns about his availability for this season.
While the walking boot has sparked concerns among fans, Wilkins may be wearing it as a precaution rather than a sign of a significant setback. Athletes recovering from foot injuries often use a boot to minimize stress during periods of soreness or swelling, so the situation may not be as alarming as it seems.
With NFL training camps still weeks away, the Raiders’ medical staff may be prioritizing long-term recovery over short-term activity in an effort to avoid re-injury. However, it may warrant concern if Wilkins remains in the walking boot during training camp.