On Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders will begin to attempt to rebound from a dismal 2022 season when they visit the Denver Broncos to start the new season.
It looks like they could be without standout defensive end Chandler Jones, who is currently away from the team following a social media tirade he went on Tuesday morning.
Head coach Josh McDaniels didn’t seem to want to talk about Jones’ absence, per Ari Meirov.
#Raiders HC Josh McDaniels said he won't talk about the Chandler Jones situation as it's a private matter.
"There's nothing to talk about. He's not going to be here today." pic.twitter.com/5WZXlkSFkl
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 6, 2023
Jones came to Las Vegas last season, and it was thought he would team up with star Maxx Crosby to give the team an outstanding pass-rush attack.
But he had a down season, only recording 4.5 sacks in 15 games after going for 10.5 sacks the previous season while with the Arizona Cardinals.
Jones, 33, has been named to the Pro Bowl four times and the All-Pro First-Team twice in his 11-year NFL career.
The Raiders could really use his production, as they ranked 26th in points allowed, 28th in total yards allowed, and 29th in passing yards allowed last season.
Those defensive deficiencies were a major reason they won only six games, blew numerous leads, and lost several close games.
On offense, Las Vegas will have Jimmy Garoppolo, who has been lauded over the years for his leadership, at quarterback this year.
Unlike Derek Carr, his predecessor, Garoppolo has played in the Super Bowl as a starter with the San Francisco 49ers, and he was a member of two world championship teams while he was an understudy behind Tom Brady on the New England Patriots.
NEXT: The Raiders Have Reworked Jimmy Garoppolo's Contract
