The hits just keep on coming for the Las Vegas Raiders. One day after an ugly defeat at the hands of the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, the team has found out it won't have yet another defensive starter for the rest of the season.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, safety Marcus Epps suffered a torn ACL in the 36-22 loss to the Panthers and is out for the season. Epps, who is slated to be a free agent in 2025, is expected to be healthy in time for next season.
Epps, who left Sunday's game after going down with a non-contact injury, is just the latest defensive starter to go down for the season, as the Raiders also lost defensive end Malcolm Koonce to a season-ending knee injury.
As far as who steps in for Epps is concerned, that will likely be Isaiah Pola-Mao, who was substituted in for Epps on Sunday.
#Raiders safety Marcus Epps suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s loss to Carolina, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 23, 2024
Brutal news for Las Vegas and Epps, a team leader who had started every game since signing last year. No other damage, so he’ll be ready for 2025. He’s set to be a free agent in March. pic.twitter.com/Hf3MnBMmWr
A former undrafted free agent, Pola-Mao had a strong offseason and received some praise from senior defensive assistant Rob Ryan, who told reporters they "better watch out" for the 25-year-old.
Pola-Mao will have ample opportunity to show that Ryan wasn't just blowing smoke.
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