Scary Scene: Raiders’ Anusiem Carted Off, Leg in Air Cast
Raiders vs. Texans Preseason Game Halted by Scary Injury to Young Cornerback
Published: August 20, 2026 | Updated: 10:05 p.m. ET
What Happened in Simple Terms
Imagine you’re at a practice game before the real NFL season starts. The Las Vegas Raiders are playing the Houston Texans. Everything seems normal until—boom—a young player goes down hard. He doesn’t get up. Both teams run onto the field. A medical cart comes out. The stadium goes quiet.
That’s exactly what happened Thursday night.
Who Is Chigozie Anusiem?
Before we talk about the injury, let’s meet the player:
- Name: Chigozie Anusiem (pronounced chi-GO-zee ah-NOO-see-em)
- Position: Cornerback (that’s the player who covers wide receivers and tries to stop them from catching passes)
- Experience: Second-year player (rookie season was 2025)
- College: Colorado State University
- Team: Las Vegas Raiders
ELI5 Cornerback: Think of a cornerback like a shadow. Their job is to stick to the other team’s best catchers (wide receivers) like glue, so the quarterback can’t throw to them easily.
The Injury: Step by Step
Here’s what we know, in order:
- Third Quarter – The game is underway, past halftime.
- Anusiem’s Second Snap – He’d only been on the field for two plays total.
- The Play – He was dragged down from behind while running.
- Immediate Reaction – He stayed down. Trainers rushed out.
- Both Teams Gather – Players from both sidelines came onto the field—a sign of serious concern.
- Medical Cart Arrives – A cart drove onto the field to take him off.
- Air Cast Applied – Reports say his leg was placed in an air cast (an inflatable splint that stabilizes injuries).
What the Broadcasters Said
- Joe Buck (play-by-play announcer) confirmed it was a lower-body injury.
- ESPN did NOT show the injury replay – This is standard practice for potentially serious injuries, out of respect for the player and family.
Important Context: A Brutal Summer for Injuries
CALL OUT: This isn’t an isolated incident.
The 2026 NFL preseason has been unusually rough for injuries during training camp. Multiple players across the league have gone down with significant injuries before the regular season even starts. Anusiem’s injury is just the latest in a worrying trend.
Why Preseason Games Matter (And Why This Hurts)
| Preseason Purpose | Why Anusiem’s Injury Stings |
|---|---|
| Young players prove they belong | He got 2 snaps to show what he can do |
| Teams evaluate roster depth | Raiders lose a developing cornerback |
| Practice game-speed situations | Injury happened on a routine play |
| Build chemistry | Now the team must adjust without him |
What Happens Next?
While we wait for official word from the Raiders, here’s the typical process:
- Immediate Evaluation – Team doctors examine him at the stadium
- Imaging – X-rays, MRI, or CT scans at a hospital
- Diagnosis – Specific injury identified (ligament tear, fracture, etc.)
- Treatment Plan – Surgery? Rehab? Timeline for return?
- Roster Decision – Does he go on Injured Reserve (IR)? Practice squad? Stay on 53-man roster?
Summary
- Chigozie Anusiem, a 2nd-year Raiders cornerback, suffered a serious lower-leg injury on his second play of the preseason game vs. the Texans.
- He was carted off with an air cast on his leg.
- The injury occurred when he was dragged down from behind.
- This continues a disturbing trend of major injuries during the 2026 preseason.
- Official diagnosis and timeline are still pending.
FAQ
What is an "air cast" and why does it matter?
An air cast is an inflatable splint that immobilizes a leg or ankle injury. It’s often used for suspected fractures or severe sprains to prevent further damage during transport. It’s a strong signal the injury is significant.
Why don’t they show injury replays on TV?
Networks like ESPN have policies against showing potentially gruesome or serious injuries live. It protects the player’s privacy and avoids upsetting viewers—especially family watching at home.
What does "dragged down from behind" mean?
A defender (likely a Texans player) grabbed Anusiem from the back while he was running. This can twist the leg awkwardly or cause the cleats to stick in the turf while the body keeps moving—a common cause of knee/ankle injuries.
What’s "Injured Reserve" (IR)?
IR is a special roster spot for players who will miss significant time. If Anusiem goes on IR, he cannot play for at least 4 games, but the Raiders can sign someone else to fill his roster spot.
Are preseason injuries more common now?
The 2026 preseason has seen more high-profile injuries than usual, prompting discussion about practice intensity, turf quality, and whether the current schedule puts too much wear on players before real games start.
Stay tuned for updates from the Raiders’ medical staff. Wishing Chigozie a full and speedy recovery.