Chandler Jones likely out when the Las Vegas Raiders open their season at Denver
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) warms up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones indicated in since-deleted social media posts on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, that he no longer wanted to play for coach Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler. Credit: AP/John Locher
HENDERSON, Nev. — Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones isn't expected to play in Sunday's season opener at the Denver Broncos, according to Las Vegas coach Josh McDaniels.
Jones hasn't been in the Raiders' facility this week. He twice posted disparaging remarks on social media about Raiders management before removing them.
Backup cornerback Brandon Facyson (shin) was placed on injured reserve and will miss at least four games. Running back Josh Jacobs had been on the commissioner's exemption list after not signing until Aug. 26, but was removed to set the roster at the maximum 53 players.
With Jones likely out, it could mean expanded roles for rookie Tyree Wilson, the No. 7 pick of the draft, and third-year pro Malcolm Koonce. Both are backup defensive ends on this week's depth chart.
McDaniels said other players will be considered, including some on the practice squad.
“I think our entire defensive line group has really worked hard,” McDaniels said. “I think we have a little bit more depth across the board than we did last year just in general terms, and we’ll do what we have to do to be able to play the game the right way.”
He said defensive line isn't the only area in which decisions still need to be made.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. Jacobs was hampered by injuries in 2020 and '21 but showed how dangerous he can be when healthy last season. Credit: AP/Marcio Jose Sanchez
“We’ll just try to figure out what the best thing is in terms of how to play the game in general,” McDaniels said. “We’re doing that at multiple positions. It’s always a little tricky because nobody’s really played 60 minutes of a football game.”
Jones went on Instagram on Tuesday and Wednesday to criticize Raiders management before removing those posts. He complained Tuesday about not being able to get into the team's facility and on Wednesday about a representative from the city of Las Vegas crisis response team showing up at his door.
“Raiders sent her to my place said .. You need to come with us ‘You’re in danger,’” Jones wrote.
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