Raiders top free agent addition returns to practice while 2 starting defenders remain out

The final OTA practice open to the media is took place on Wednesday. But it did so without their top interior defensive linemen.

Both Christian Wilkins and Adam Butler were not practicing today according to media on hand at practice. Neither has practiced throughout OTAs.

Chinn is back today. Still no Wilkins and Butler for the #Raidershttps://t.co/aJyaJIAZ0P— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) June 4, 2025

Butler has an undisclosed injury, while Wilkins is dealing with the same foot injury he suffered early last season. He had apparently recovered from the injury by the end of last season, but then suffered a setback in his rehab, which had Wilkins back in a walking boot for a time. The walking boot has been off during OTA practices, but he has not been participating in practices with his teammates.

Without Wilkins and Butler, the Raiders interior DL rotation was led out by Jonah Laulu and Zach Carter. Ideally the two of them, along with the two rookies Tonka Hemingway and JJ Pegues would be battling to be part of the rotation, not a spot on the first team.

Back at practice today was safety Jeremy Chinn. The Raiders made Chinn their one and only multi-year free agent signing this offseason. He had an interception on Geno Smith to begin practice two weeks ago, but was not practicing last week. His return means whatever his issue was last week, it was minor.

Chinn could be asked to pull double duty this year as a safety and nickel corner should no option emerge for the Raiders following the departure of Nate Hobbs. Last week Chinn was replaced in his duties by fellow newcomer Lonnie Johnson Jr.

This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Raiders top free agent addition returns to practice, 2 starters out