Raiders place DE Keyron Crawford (ankle) on season-ending IR

ByRyan McFadden ESPN logo
Monday, August 31, 2026 1:39AM

HENDERSON, Nev. -- Las Vegas Raiders rookie defensive endKeyron Crawfordwas placed on the season-ending injured reserve list because of an ankle injury, the team announced Sunday.

Crawford injured his ankle in the third quarter of the preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. While Crawford was attempting to blitz quarterback Adrian Martinez, he was pushed down by offensive tackle Enrique Cruz Jr. and fell awkwardly to the ground.

Trainers helped Crawford off the field and into the blue medical tent before he was carted into the locker room.

The Raiders drafted Crawford in the third round (67th pick) of the 2026 NFL draft in April after a four-year college career, during which he played two seasons at Arkansas State and two at Auburn.

In 24 career games at Auburn, Crawford totaled 58 tackles (10.5 tackles for loss), 59 pressures and five sacks.

Crawford's injury opened the door for Patrick Johnson to make the initial 53-man roster. Johnson played well in three preseason games, totaling 11 tackles, two sacks, six pressures and four run stuffs.

Las Vegas' depth at defensive end consists of Maxx Crosby, Kwity Paye, Malcolm Koonce and Johnson.

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