Kyu Blu Kelly‘s first season with the Raiders has come to an end in unwanted fashion. The third-year cornerback suffered a knee injury yesterday and he will not return in 2025.
Kelly was carted off the field during Vegas’ Week 14 loss to Denver. That suggested a lengthy absence could be in store, and testing has confirmed that is indeed the case. Kelly suffered a torn patellar tendon, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
As Garafolo adds, no ligament damage was suffered in this case. That represents only a small consolation in the near term, of course, but it means Kelly should be able to recover in time for the start of next season. Doing so would be critical given his emergence as a key figure in the Raiders’ secondary over the course of this year’s campaign.
A sixth-round pick of the Ravens in 2023, Kelly was placed on waivers during roster cutdowns that summer. The UCLA product was claimed by the Seahawks, although that move did not result in a lengthy stint in Seattle. Kelly found himself on waivers twice more as a rookie, spending time with the Packers and Commanders along the way. Since September of last year, however, the Vegas native has been with his hometown team.
Kelly played sparingly while only making four appearances in 2024. This season has been much different, as shuffling in the secondary helped pave the way for a larger workload. Taking on a starting role through much of the campaign, Kelly set career highs across the board with 40 tackles, three interceptions and six pass deflections. The 24-year-old will certainly have a degree of momentum heading into the offseason.
Kelly is set to be an exclusive rights restricted free agent this spring. Given his level of play in 2025, it would come as no surprise if the Raiders were to tender him and by doing so ensure he remains in the fold for next season. Week 1 of 2026 is the earliest point at which Kelly will be able to resume his promising Vegas tenure.