It’s been a rough stretch for the Las Vegas Raiders thus far; losing your prized free agent acquisition, Christian Wilkins, is a devastating blow. However, at least we know who’s not to blame in all of that.
Adam Butler has had a solid campaign at this point in the season for the Silver and Black. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s graded at 61.6 in terms of pass rushing; his run defense stands at 66.7. To be fair, the Raiders’ overall run defense has been questionable. Still, when you add in nine pressures and a sack, Butler has been doing his job.
Regrettably, Raiders fans have been circulating his name in a completely different context. Many Raiders fans believed he was responsible for Wilkins’ Jones Fracture, which resulted in his placement on injured reserve. That’s certainly how you want your name to blow up these days.
In Butler’s defense, he made sure to clear the air while speaking in the locker room this week (h/t Vegas Sports Today).
“People were saying that it was me who injured him. That’s just simply not true. I went to Christian, and he said, ‘No, it definitely wasn’t you.’ I can assure you that I did not injure Christian.”
Butler also went on to explain in that clip that him celebrating with Wilkins was a direct result of him being on the receiving end of a celebration during the Browns game. Perhaps Raiders fans should refrain from making accusations against players in such matters until the facts are clear.
Raiders HC Antonio Pierce on Christian Wilkins injury…
Pierce, who has faced significant criticism in the early stages, appears to be in a difficult situation. In addition to the ongoing drama surrounding Davante Adams and the numerous injuries the Raiders have sustained, you can now include Wilkins in the list of setbacks. However, Pierce maintains his focus, and it’s likely that he’s grown accustomed to this situation by now.
“Tired of losing good players, that’s not ever good. Next man up mentality. We’ve been dealing with that since Thursday before the Chargers, and we’ll keep dealing with that.”
At this point, the mantra of the 2024 Raiders really should be next man up.
