Raiders need Chaz Schilens healthy

Once again, the Raiders are nearing the midseason mark and once again they waiting on wide receiver Chaz Schilens to get healthy and contribute, whilst the receiving corps as a whole struggles.

Schilens was originally a seventh round pick in 2008 and won a job as a starter before the end of his rookie season. He started six games and in his last two games he appeared that he was going to break out with six catches for 96 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Raiders season ending two game winning streak. He played in all 16 games, but had his performance was limited through injuries.

In 2009, he injured his foot in a preseason joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers and missed the first eight games of the season, only returning after the bye week. When he did return, he had 29 catches for 364 yards, which put him third on the team in both categories behind tight end Zach Miller and wide receiver Louis Murphy.

He missed minicamp and most of the OTAs because of an addition surgery that he had to correct issues from his previous injuries. It was originally expected that he would not be back until minicamp opened in Napa in July, but he took part in the final organized team activity sessions.

During training camp, Schilens re-injured his foot and has not played a snap in either the preseason or regular season this year. Meanwhile, the wide receiving corps is struggling to be a factor in games. As it stands, the Raiders wideouts have combined for 43 catches and 603 yards and a single touchdown. This is roughly equal to Reggie Wayne’s numbers. (45 catches for 603 yards and 2 touchdowns.)

The Raiders Schilens to get healthy to give their receiving corps an additional threat. It has reached the point that he has gone from being known for having “potential” to being injury prone. The Raiders need that big receiver who can make the tough catches, and Schilens can’t seem to stay on the field.