In a move that stunned fans and analysts alike, the Las Vegas Raiders announced on Sunday that defensive end Maxx Crosby would be sidelined for the home matchup against the New York Giants.
Player Injuries and Roster Moves
The decision comes as the Raiders continue to navigate a difficult season. On Wednesday, tight end Brock Bowers, a two-time Pro Bowler who earned first-team All-Pro honors last season, and safety Jeremy Chinn were placed on season-ending injured reserve. Bowers suffered a knee injury, while Chinn sustained a back injury. These roster changes leave the Raiders without two of their most productive contributors.
Maxx Crosby, who has a knee injury that caused him to miss numerous practices, has nonetheless started every game this season. He has recorded 10 sacks and a career-high 28 tackles for loss. Crosby has posted double-digit sack totals in three of the past four seasons, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
Both the Raiders and the Giants finish the regular season with 2-13 records, positioning them at the bottom of the league standings. The loser of this matchup will receive the inside track to the top overall draft pick.
Decision to Bench Crosby
After the Raiders informed Crosby of the decision, he left the team facility. The organization chose to rest him for Sunday’s game, a choice that also frees up other key players for the upcoming matchup.
“After an evaluation we did Monday or Tuesday, it just looks too bad,” coach Pete Carroll said on Friday. “He didn’t want to take the news like that and I didn’t want to take the news like that, so we worked our way through to get to this point. He’s been practicing on Fridays. If we had let him, he would’ve gone out there and he would not have hesitated, but he knows that he’s banged up.”
Carroll also acknowledged that he did not know whether Crosby would return for the season finale against Kansas City, but he noted that it was possible Crosby could miss that game as well.
Coach Pete Carroll’s Perspective
Carroll emphasized Crosby’s competitive nature. “He’s been fighting his (butt) off the whole time,” Carroll said. “He’s as good a competitor as you can be. You can’t battle more than he’s battled. He’d do anything to be able to be playing.”
Carroll’s comments underscore the Raiders’ willingness to prioritize player health and team strategy over individual performance, especially when the stakes of the draft are high.
Impact on Draft and Team Strategy
With the top overall pick on the line, the Raiders are eyeing a quarterback to address a long-standing need. One candidate mentioned in the press is Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who could provide the franchise with a franchise-building talent.
The decision to bench Crosby also reflects the Raiders’ broader strategy of resting key players during a season in which they are competing for the worst record. By doing so, the team hopes to preserve talent for the final weeks of the season and for the impending draft.
Crosby’s Own Words
Earlier in the week, Crosby made clear that winning was more important than securing the top draft selection. “I don’t give a (expletive) about the pick,” Crosby said. “I don’t play for that. That’s not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world, and that’s what I focus on every day and being a great leader and being an influence and on being that guy on a consistent basis for my team. The front office, the coaches, they do that.”
Key Takeaways
- The Raiders have benched defensive end Maxx Crosby for Sunday’s game against the Giants.
- Tight end Brock Bowers and safety Jeremy Chinn are on season-ending injured reserve.
- Both teams finish the season 2-13, with the loser receiving the top draft pick.
- The Raiders are considering a quarterback, such as Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, for the top overall selection.
The move underscores the Raiders’ focus on player health, team strategy, and the long-term goal of securing a franchise-building talent at the top of the draft.
