Raiders Cornerback Anusiem's Season Ends Before It Begins
The Las Vegas Raiders have enjoyed relatively good injury luck this offseason, but that changed dramatically during their second preseason game against the Houston Texans. Cornerback Chigozie Anusiem was carted off the field after a frightening moment that brought the entire team to his side.
When teammates gather like that, the news is rarely good. For Anusiem, it was the worst-case scenario. The Raiders announced the young cornerback will spend the 2026 season on Injured Reserve.
What happened to Chigozie Anusiem?
Anusiem's injury occurred during Thursday night's preseason matchup in Houston. The severity was immediately apparent as medical staff tended to him on the field while players from both teams showed their support.
The undrafted free agent originally signed with the Washington Commanders before joining the Raiders last season, where he appeared in three games. At 25 years old, Anusiem brought intriguing size and speed to the cornerback position, making him a developmental prospect worth watching.
What does this mean for Anusiem's future with the Raiders?
Making the roster was already going to be an uphill battle. The Raiders overhauled their secondary this offseason, adding four defensive backs in the draft and locking down Eric Stokes with a long-term extension in free agency.
If Anusiem can make a full recovery, he'll have another shot at an NFL roster next year. For now, he'll remain around the Raiders organization while rehabbing.
Can the Raiders' young secondary deliver this season?
The Raiders' secondary has been a revolving door for years, with inconsistent play at both cornerback and safety. But the recent influx of talent suggests things might finally be changing.
ESPN's Ryan McFadden sees promise, though he cautions against expecting immediate results. “The Raiders have struggled in coverage in two preseason games,” McFadden wrote. “Cardinals quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II combined for 16 straight completions in the first half last week, and Texans backup Davis Mills completed 11 of 15 passes for 93 yards in the first half Thursday night. The Raiders' young secondary could be quite good in a season or two, but asking it to fix last season's pass-coverage issues immediately might be too tall a task.”
How is the Raiders' defense shaping up under Klint Kubiak?
Preseason performances can be misleading, and the Raiders' defense showed signs of life against the Texans. Head coach Klint Kubiak emphasized the importance of winning the turnover battle after the game.
“Being plus one in the turnover margin, that's how you win games,” Kubiak told reporters. “So, with Rob [Leonard] taking it away, with our offense protecting the ball, that's how you win. You've obviously got to score, but you've got to win the turnover battle. That was a huge part of the game.”
Star defensive end Maxx Crosby hasn't played a snap this preseason, which explains some of the early struggles. Once he's on the field, this defense could look very different.
The Raiders may experience growing pains early in the season, but there's real talent on this side of the ball. With questions surrounding the offense, the defense might end up being the team's biggest strength.
This article was adapted from reporting originally published by Yahoo Sports.
Frequently asked questions about the Raiders' injury situation
How long will Chigozie Anusiem be out?
Anusiem has been placed on season-ending Injured Reserve, meaning he will miss the entire 2026 NFL season.
Who is Chigozie Anusiem?
Anusiem is a 25-year-old cornerback who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Commanders before joining the Raiders last season.
Will the Raiders' secondary improve this year?
The Raiders added four defensive backs in the draft and extended Eric Stokes, but analysts suggest the young group may need a season or two to fully develop.