BREAKING: Raiders Take Massive Hit Ahead of First Game

Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce told reporters on Friday that edge rusher Malcolm Koonce will be out for the Raiders' Week 1 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Las Vegas Raiders DE Malcolm Koonce from OTAs / Darrell Craig Harris, Sports Illustrated

The Las Vegas Raiders took a huge blow going into their Week 1 meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce told reporters on Friday that defensive end Malcolm Koonce will miss Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Koonce had appeared on Thursday's injury report, having been listed as "limited" in Thursday's practice with a knee injury.

The fourth-year Raider was perhaps the team's most improved player last season, totaling 43 tackles, nine for losses and 8.0 sacks while playing in all 17 games. He made 11 starts.

Koonce won't be the only Raider to miss Sunday's game with an injury.

Per the Raiders' final injury report of Week 1, which includes updates for both Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Raiders rookie cornerback Decamerion Richardson is out for Week 1, due to a hamstring injury. He did not participate in Friday's practice.

The Raiders will also be without rookie guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (illness), who also missed Friday's practice.

Raiders rookie linebacker Robert Spillane is questionable for Sunday's game, as he was limited all week with a knee injury.

As for the Chargers, wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. will be out with a hip injury. Chargers cornerbacks Tarheeb Still (hip) and Asante Samuel Jr. (shoulder) are questionable.

The losses of Richardson, Powers-Johnson and perhaps Eichenberg are all unfortunate for a team looking to build up its youth, but it's important the Raiders protect those young guys early on.

The Raiders take on the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PST/4:05 p.m. EST.

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