Raiders put defensive tackle Maliek Collins on injured reserve

The Las Vegas Raiders’ revolving door on defense continued on Wednesday as defensive tackle Maliek Collins was put on the injured reserve, while slot cornerback Lamarcus Joyner was removed from the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list.

Collins, a disappointing free-agent addition this season, will miss at least three games. Raiders coach Jon Gruden said he expects Collins back for the end of the season. Gruden would not say what exactly is Collins’ injury, but he did say he’s been dealing shoulder injuries and other things. The injury report Wednesday stated Collins has ankle and hamstring issues.

In training camp, Gruden said Collins — a pickup from the Dallas Cowboys — would be the key to the defense, but he has made little impact. Expect to see a top rotation of Johnathan Hankins and Maurice Hurst in the next few weeks. Hurst was one of many players who missed practice on Wednesday, Gruden said.

Joyner missed the past two weeks because he was on the COVID list but there is a chance he can play this week at the New York Jets. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell, who also missed two weeks while on the COVID list, has a chance to play as well.

As expected, right tackle Trent Brown returned to practice for a first time in several weeks after being on the COVID list. He has a chance to play in Week 14 against the Indianapolis Colts. Backup running back Theo Riddick was also removed from the COVID list after missing two games. The Raiders don’t have any players on the COVID list for the first time in four weeks.

Injury report update: