Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders continue to navigate the aftermath of a season-ending loss and prepare for off-season roster reshaping, the team made a critical administrative move this week: officially placing three key players on injured reserve (IR), a designation that formalizes their season-long injuries and opens up roster spots for future signings. The NFL’s injured reserve rules require players to miss at least four games if placed on IR during the regular season, but for the Raiders—who have already been eliminated from playoff contention—the designations are less about short-term availability and more about roster flexibility and injury recovery planning. By making these designations official, the Raiders can begin evaluating replacement options, adjust their salary cap projections, and ensure injured players receive the structured care needed to return healthy next season. Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down which players were affected, the reasons behind the moves, and how they impact the team’s off-season preparations.

Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Las Vegas Raiders starts with the most high-profile player on the list: defensive tackle Andrew Billings, whose season was cut short by a lingering ankle injury that ultimately led to his retirement announcement last week. Billings, 30, injured his ankle in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs and had been listed as “out” for the final six games of the season, but the official IR designation formalizes the end of his Raiders tenure. The team’s announcement noted that Billings’ injury required “extended rehabilitation” and that placing him on IR would allow him to focus on recovery without roster constraints. For Billings, who retired shortly after the designation, the move was a procedural step that aligned with his decision to step away from football. “Andrew’s health and future were our top priorities,” said Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler in a statement. “Placing him on IR ensures he has access to our medical staff throughout his recovery, even as he transitions to life after football. We’re grateful for his contributions to our team and wish him well.” The designation also frees up a roster spot that the Raiders can use to sign a practice squad player to a reserve/future contract, a common off-season move to build depth.

Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Las Vegas Raiders highlights another key player placed on IR: backup running back Ameer Abdullah, who suffered a knee sprain in the Raiders’ Week 17 loss to the Denver Broncos. Abdullah, 30, was a valuable special teams contributor and rotational back for the Raiders this season, rushing for 240 yards and two touchdowns while adding 15 catches for 110 yards. The team’s medical staff initially estimated a 4-6 week recovery timeline for Abdullah’s sprain—meaning he would have missed the playoffs if the Raiders had qualified—but the IR designation locks in his status for the remainder of the year. Unlike Billings, Abdullah is expected to return to football next season, and the IR designation allows him to continue working with the Raiders’ training staff to rehab his knee. “Ameer was a reliable player for us all season, both on offense and special teams,” said Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. “Placing him on IR is a precautionary move to make sure he’s fully healthy before next training camp. We don’t want to rush his recovery and risk a more serious injury down the line.” Abdullah’s IR spot is likely to be filled by a young running back from the practice squad, such as rookie Zamir White, who could be signed to a future contract to compete for a backup role next season.

Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Las Vegas Raiders delves into the third player on the IR list: rookie cornerback Jakorian Bennett, who sustained a hamstring injury in Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts. Bennett, a fourth-round draft pick in 2023, showed promise in his first NFL season, appearing in 14 games and recording 26 tackles, one interception, and three pass breakups. The hamstring injury sidelined him for the final two games of the season, and the official IR designation will allow him to complete his rehab with the Raiders’ medical team rather than rushing back for meaningless games. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Bennett’s IR designation is a strategic move to protect a young player with long-term potential. “Jakorian had a solid rookie season, and we want to make sure he’s ready to compete for a starting role next year,” said defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “Hamstring injuries can be tricky if not properly rehabbed, so placing him on IR gives him the time he needs to get stronger. For the Las Vegas Raiders, investing in our young talent’s health now pays off in the future.” The team is expected to use Bennett’s roster spot to sign a veteran cornerback to a future contract, adding depth to a position group that struggled with injuries this season.

Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Las Vegas Raiders explores how these IR designations impact the Las Vegas Raiders’ salary cap and roster flexibility heading into the off-season. Under NFL rules, players on IR continue to count against the salary cap unless they are released with an injury settlement, but the Raiders have no plans to release Billings, Abdullah, or Bennett. Instead, the designations free up three roster spots (from the 53-man active roster) that the team can use to sign players from their practice squad to reserve/future contracts—deals that don’t count against the 2023 cap and allow players to participate in off-season workouts and training camp. This is a key part of the Raiders’ off-season strategy, as it lets them retain young talent they’ve developed on the practice squad, such as White, linebacker Luke Masterson, and wide receiver Phillip Dorsett. “These IR designations are part of our larger roster planning,” Ziegler explained. “Freeing up spots now lets us sign practice squad players who have earned a chance to compete next season. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this is how we build depth and continuity—by investing in players who already know our system and our culture.” The Raiders are expected to sign 8-10 practice squad players to future contracts in the coming weeks, filling the spots opened by IR designations and other roster moves.

Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Las Vegas Raiders concludes with a look at how these moves reflect the Las Vegas Raiders’ priorities as they head into the off-season: protecting player health, building roster depth, and planning for long-term success. While IR designations are often seen as a sign of a struggling season, the Raiders are using them as a tool to set up future success—ensuring key players (and young talent) are healthy, retaining practice squad players, and creating flexibility to pursue free agents. For fans, the designations are a reminder that the off-season work begins immediately after the regular season ends, and that every roster move—even administrative ones like IR designations—plays a role in shaping the team’s future. “These moves might not be as exciting as free agent signings or draft picks, but they’re just as important,” said long-time Raiders fan Maria Gonzalez. “Making sure players are healthy and keeping young talent around gives me hope that we’ll be better next season.” In the end, Injured Reserve Designation Made Official by the Las Vegas Raiders is a story of strategic planning—proving that even in the aftermath of a disappointing season, the Raiders are focused on building a team that can compete for championships in the years to come.