(AP) HENDERSON, Nev. Malcolm Koonce, a pass rusher with the Las Vegas Raiders, hurt his knee just before the season started, and he will be out for the whole year, two people with knowledge of the issue told The Associated Press on Saturday.
The individuals, who wished to remain anonymous, told the AP that Koonce will not be playing for the Raiders this season. Before the season began against the Los Angeles Chargers, the team placed him on injured reserve, which meant he would miss the first four games at the very least.
One of the individuals mentioned that Koonce will have surgery shortly to fix a ruptured ACL.
Koonce had a very strong second half of the previous season, starting Nov. 5 against the New York Giants and recording all eight of his career-high sacks. In the last four games, he had six sacks.
After Koonce was hurt, Charles Snowden was added to the active roster, and he has started both games and recorded two tackles.
Coach Antonio Pierce announced on Friday that defensive end Tyree Wilson, who hurt his knee in the game against the Chargers, will play in the team’s home opener against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
