Source: Raiders to place DT Justin Ellis on injured reserve

Share

Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellis is headed to injured reserve, an NFL source told NBC Sports Bay Area on Thursday morning.

That’s a real setback for the Raiders defense. Ellis was the team’s best interior run stopper, and was a mainstay in the base defense.

Losing him for any stretch is a blow, though the Raiders currently plan to designate him to return off injured reserve later in the year. Teams can select two players to return off IR, but they must remain there at least eight weeks.

Ellis suffered a foot injury in Monday’s loss to the L.A. Rams, and won’t be eligible to come back until Week 9 at earliest.

The Raiders have called in the cavalry to help on the inside. Veteran defensive tackles Johnthan Hankins and Clinton McDonald were added to the squad, as we reported Wednesday, to help flesh out the roster.

Ellis to IR, and Wednesday’s decision to waive Shilique Calhoun, will act as corresponding moves for recent signings.

Ellis fought through his injury and played more snaps than any other Raiders defensive lineman against the Rams. Losing Ellis is significant, especially when coupled with P.J. Hall’s sprained ankle. The rookie second-round defensive tackle is likely out a game at least, though Hall said trainers were taking it day by day.

Hankins and McDonald are expected to play right away on Sunday afternoon against the Denver Broncos.

Ellis, always a positive personality, maintained that disposition in a Thursday morning Twitter post.

The Las Vegas Review Journal was first to report news of Ellis headed to injured reserve. 

Contact Us