D.J. Hayden Placed on Injured Reserve

Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden has been placed on season-ending injured reserve.

In a surprising move, slot corner D.J. Hayden has been placed on season-ending injured reserve, per an announcement made by Jack Del Rio. Hayden suffered a hamstring injury in Oakland’s 35-32 win over the Panthers.

Per Scott Bair, Del Rio referred to the injury as “a big blow”.

DJ Hayden will be placed on season ending injured reserve. JDR: "it's a big blow." #Raiders

— Scott Bair (@BairCSN) December 2, 2016

Jimmy Durkin answered a question regarding a corresponding roster move, saying that it could come today or tomorrow.

Not yet. Move will come either later today or tomorrow. https://t.co/RTG0Dn1jwH

— Jimmy Durkin (@Jimmy_Durkin) December 2, 2016

Coincidentally, that lines up with an expected announcement regarding Aldon Smith’s reinstatement. The timing would work out to activate him to the 53-man roster. But we’re still waiting on Roger Goodell to #FreeAldonSmith.

Regarding Hayden, this could very well be the end of his Raiders career. Depending on the severity of his injury, if Oakland can clinch their first playoff berth since 2002, he may or may not be healthy enough to participate.

Hayden is a free agent at the end of the season, and although he is enjoying the best season of his professional career in the slot role, he still is far too consistent than anyone would like.

Expect T.J. Carrie to fill Hayden’s role, who hasn’t been the same player he was in his rookie season.

http://justblogbaby.com/2016/12/02/does-gronks-injury-clear-way-for-raiders-to-be-no-1-seed/