rsz-gettyimages-1340167672.jpg
Getty Images

Two days after being carted off the field against the Ravens and a day after Raiders coach Jon Gruden indicated he'd suffered a "long-term" knee injury, veteran defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is headed to injured reserve with his second season-ending injury in as many years. That's according to ESPN and NFL Network, which reported Wednesday that the 33-year-old lineman is set to be replaced on the 53-man roster by ex-Chargers reserve Damion Square, signed off L.A.'s practice squad this week.

A six-time Pro Bowler, McCoy signed with the Raiders in early August and figured to serve a prominent role along Las Vegas' defensive line this year. The former Buccaneers star entered Week 1 listed as a co-starter at defensive tackle alongside Solomon Thomas and Quinton Jefferson. He played just nine snaps against Baltimore, however, before exiting early.

McCoy previously missed all of 2020 after suffering a ruptured quadriceps in training camp with the Cowboys. Prior to that, the former first-round pick played a full season with the Panthers and spent another nine in Tampa Bay, where he started his career. From 2010-2019, he missed more than three games just once, in 2011.

In McCoy's absence, the Raiders are expected to lean on Square as a rotational backup behind Thomas and Jefferson alongside veteran interior man Johnathan Hankins.

Can the Raiders' defense step it up this season? Will Henry Ruggs break out? Download the CBS Sports app and find out, all from our team of veteran insiders. If you have the app, set the Raiders as your favorite team for even faster updates.