DJ Hayden Injury: Updates on Raiders CB's Hamstring and Return

Oakland Raiders cornerback DJ Hayden suffered a hamstring injury in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers and would not return. He will be placed on season-ending injured reserve and will not return this season.

Continue for updates.

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Hayden to Hit IR

Friday, Dec. 2 

Scott Bair of CSN California reported Hayden will be placed on season-ending IR. "It's a big blow," head coach Jack Del Rio said, per Bair.

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Latest on Hayden's Practice Status

Wednesday, Nov. 30

The Raiders announced Hayden did not participate in Wednesday's session. 

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Injuries Have Held Hayden Back from Living Up to Hype

The Raiders expected big things when they selected Hayden with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, but the Houston product has been quite inconsistent during his career to this point.

He missed a total of 14 games due to injury in his first two seasons, and despite playing in all 16 contests in 2015, he struggled and lost his hold on the starting job.

Hayden has largely been relegated to nickel and dime packages so far this season, and he has registered 35 total tackles and a forced fumble.

Despite Hayden's struggles, potentially losing him could be a major blow for the Raiders since it means they will have to dig deeper into their bench.

With Hayden on the shelf, look for David Amerson and Sean Smith to remain the starters outside, with TJ Carrie, Dexter McDonald and rookie Antonio Hamilton getting additional looks in the slot.

The Raiders don't have a ton of experience at the cornerback position outside of their starters, so they may be quite vulnerable moving forward, which puts more pressure on Khalil Mack and the front seven to get to the quarterback.

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