Back on November 10, the Falcons waived edge rusher Takkarist McKinley. With 17.5 sacks in 49 career games, the former first-round pick was in demand. The problem was, he was not healthy. He had a groin injury that had him fail a physical with the Bengals and then with the 49ers, causing him to be claimed and waived two more times in a matter of days.
Finally, he reached the Raiders in the waiver order and despite his previous failed physicals, they claimed him anyway, placing him on injured reserve. The hope was that he would be healthy enough to help them with a playoff run. On December 15, they designated McKinley for return but didn’t activate him to the roster.
In the past two weeks, while they waited to ensure McKinley was ready to go, they were eliminated from the playoffs. Now they won’t see him at all.
“Unfortunately McKinley won’t be able to play,” head coach Jon Gruden announced Wednesday, signaling the end of McKinley’s season.
What’s really interesting is McKinley’s rookie contract is up after this season so it’s possible he will never see the field for the Raiders should he sign elsewhere in free agency.
Gruden also said practice squad DL David Irving will not play again this season. The team also placed DE Clelin Ferrell on injured reserve.
