Oakland Raiders Vance Walker needs to pass one more test
Geno Smith (7) throws a pass while under pressure from Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Vance Walker (98) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Vance Walker suffered a concussion in Week 14 against the New York Jets and missed last week’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he could return for tomorrow’s big rivalry game against the San Diego Chargers. Walker is officially listed as questionable on the Raiders injury report, and he was able to pass enough concussion tests to practice on Friday. He’s on track to play this week, but CSN Bay Area’s Scott Bair reports that Walker still has to pass one more concussion test in order to play.
We will likely know Walker’s status for this week’s game by Sunday morning, so keep an eye out for reports regarding his final concussion test. When he suffered the injury against the Jets, it looked severe, but he’s made so much progress this past week that it sounds like he could get away with missing just one game.
Walker has been a revelation as free-agent signing for the Raiders this season, and underrated guys like Walker, Pat Sims, and rookie Stacy McGee have soften the blow of losing both Desmond Bryant and Tommy Kelly. With three sacks, 35 tackles, and some really good work against the run, Walker has put himself in a position to make more than just the $2 million (he signed a one-year deal after spending his first four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons) he is currently making. Hopefully the Raiders are able to re-sign him, because he’s been one of the better players on their defense this year.