As of two days ago, it there was no reason for concern for the health of Malcolm Koonce. Then on Thursday he left practice with knee soreness. By Friday he was ruled OUT for the Raiders season opener against the Chargers. And Saturday he headed to injured reserve.
Koonce will be out at least four games with his injury.
The third year edge rusher broke out the latter half of last season, putting up eight sacks in nine games. He flourished under Antonio Pierce as head coach and was expected to be a big part of the defensive success again this season opposite Maxx Crosby.
To replace Koonce on the roster, the team signed Charles Snowden off the practice squad.
Expected to step up for Koonce is the combo of Janarius Robinson and Tyree Wilson. Robinson and Charles Snowden both showed out in the preseason, earning Robinson the right to be the next man up, and Snowden a spot on the practice squad and now on the active roster.