Despite an initial injury concern, one of the key defensive players for the Raiders should be available as they go head-to-head with a divisional rival.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby is active for Las Vegas’ Week 12 game versus the Kansas City Chiefs despite being hampered by a knee injury.
Crosby didn’t participate in any practice this week. By Friday, he was listed on the injury report with a doubtful status, suggesting he probably wouldn’t be able to play on Sunday.
Antonio Pierce, the interim head coach, stated on Friday that Crosby is undergoing continuous treatment and is striving hard to join his team this week.
It appears to have been beneficial as Crosby may avoid missing his first game of the season, despite his game status initially seeming negative.
Crosby, having already received Pro Bowl selections in consecutive years, has thus far secured 10.5 sacks this year. His record for a single year is 12.5 sacks in 2022, which remains his career high. In addition, he has accomplished 65 tackles, hit the quarterback 17 times, defended two passes and forced a fumble.
Crosby’s expected availability also means that Sunday will mark another entry in the chronicle of the rivalry between him and Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, as documented on the Netflix show Quarterback. Each time the pair has matched up, there has been verbal sparring between them and a high level of competition.
Crosby managed to sack Mahomes three times during their two encounters last season, but it was ultimately the quarterback who triumphed in both games. Now that Crosby’s injury concerns appear to be resolved, he has an opportunity to claim victory this week.
The Raiders, with a record of 5-6, and the Chiefs, standing at 7-3, will begin their game in Las Vegas at 4:25 p.m. ET.
