Raiders Get Late Injury Scare with Key Defensive Starter Before Rams Game

The Las Vegas Raiders have a new injury concern ahead of Sunday's home game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Starting linebacker Quay Walker was added to the questionable list Saturday because of a chest injury, putting his availability in doubt less than 24 hours before kickoff.

The change came after Walker had no injury designation on Friday's final injury report.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Walker was officially listed as questionable Saturday afternoon despite participating fully in Friday's practice.

Walker had been limited Wednesday and Thursday with the chest injury before returning to full participation Friday.

The late change is particularly concerning because of the linebacker's importance to the Raiders' defense.

Walker and safety Jeremy Chinn are the only Las Vegas defenders who have played every defensive snap through the team's first six games.

Walker has recorded 40 tackles, including 17 solo stops and two sacks, along with one fumble recovery this season.

He finished with six tackles and a sack in last Sunday's 33-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills, bringing down quarterback Josh Allen for a five-yard loss in the first quarter.

His potential absence would create another challenge for a Raiders defense that has struggled to regain the consistency it displayed early in the season.

Las Vegas previously surrendered 45 points in a loss to New England before allowing 33 against Buffalo.

If Walker cannot play Sunday, Tommy Eichenberg could see additional snaps at linebacker.

Cody Lindenberg and Segun Olubi are other possible options, although both have been used primarily on special teams this season.

The Raiders could also rely more heavily on defensive backs in certain situations.

Walker isn't the only Las Vegas player facing uncertainty ahead of the Rams matchup.

Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. is questionable because of foot and back injuries after missing practice Thursday and Friday.

Washington led the Raiders with 43 rushing yards on nine carries against Buffalo and had been in line for additional opportunities.

The Rams also have significant injury concerns, with wide receiver Puka Nacua questionable because of a calf injury and linebacker Nate Landman ruled out with a concussion.

For Las Vegas, however, Walker's late addition to the injury report presents an unexpected concern for a defense already facing pressure to improve.

Walker's status should become clear when the Raiders announce their inactive players approximately 90 minutes before Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.