Las Vegas Raiders’ initial 53-man roster helped reveal devastating news for one rookie as the 2026 season nears its start
The Las Vegas Raiders will now be without one of their rookies in third-round pick Keyron Crawford, as he does not have a designated-to-return tag on his placement on the IR.
The Las Vegas Raiders have revealed their initial 53-man roster. And while it won’t stay that way for long, as changes are always made in the following days, one thing will stay the same. Vegas releasing the roster showed that rookie defensive end Keyron Crawford will be done for the year before the season even started.
In the announcement, the Raiders tweeted that they listed each player who was waived (meaning they have not yet accrued four seasons), released (veteran players who were cut), and placed on IR (injured reserve).
Two players were placed on the injured reserve. Carter Runyon, the tight end who seemed to be a fan favorite, was placed on IR. However, his placement included a “designated to return” tag. Crawford’s did not. So, his season will be over before it even starts. Crawford was injured in the last preseason game. He was playing deep into the game and was eventually helped off the field by the trainers.
Then, he was taken to the blue medical tent. After that, a cart was brought out to drive him to the locker room at Allegiant Stadium. It felt like he was going to be injured and possibly start the season on IR. I’m not sure how many thought his season would be over immediately.
Raiders decided to run with four defensive ends despite Keyron Crawford’s injury
Because Crawford’s injury has such a massive impact, it’s a bit surprising the Raiders decided to only take four DEs onto the initial 53. Of course, Maxx Crosby, Kwity Paye, and Malcolm Koonce are the three we all knew would make it. Then, it was Patrick Johnson to claim the final spot. Johnson played amazingly in the preseason and in training camp.
He had a few sacks, and one of them was even a strip sack. And he was always around the ball. However, the Raiders likely won’t rely on him as much as they may have with Crawford. So, maybe we see a guy like Cian Slone make the roster in a few days. That, of course, is if he doesn’t get picked up elsewhere. Surely there could be some changes to this room in the next few days. Vegas also has the No. 1 waiver wire spot. So, anyone who is waived, they could certainly go and get.
