Tragic Setback for Raiders: Star Pass Rusher Maxx Crosby to Miss the Remainder of the Season After Undergoing Ankle Surgery
In a devastating blow to the Las Vegas Raiders, star defensive end Maxx Crosby will miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season after undergoing ankle surgery. The team confirmed the news late Friday, marking a significant setback for both Crosby and the Raiders as they battle for playoff contention in the competitive AFC.
Crosby, who has been the heart and soul of the Raiders’ defense for several years, injured his ankle during a Week 13 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The injury, initially deemed to be a minor concern, worsened over the course of the past few days, and after consulting with team doctors, it was determined that surgery was necessary to repair the damage and ensure a full recovery.
In a statement released by the Raiders, the 26-year-old pass rusher expressed his disappointment but vowed to return stronger than ever in 2025. “I’m heartbroken to have to step away from the field at this point in the season, especially with how much we have left to fight for,” Crosby said. “But I’m committed to my recovery and can’t wait to get back with my teammates next year. I’ll be there supporting them every step of the way.”
Maxx Crosby has been one of the NFL’s most disruptive defensive players since entering the league in 2019. Known for his relentless motor, incredible work ethic, and ability to pressure quarterbacks, Crosby has been a key factor in the Raiders’ defense. This season, he recorded 9.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits, making him one of the league’s premier edge rushers.
Crosby’s absence is not only a blow to the Raiders’ defensive front, but it also leaves a massive void in their pursuit of a postseason berth. At 7-6, Las Vegas is in a tight race for a Wild Card spot in the AFC, and without Crosby’s pass-rushing prowess, the team will need other defensive players to step up.
Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels spoke on the impact Crosby’s injury will have on the team. “Maxx is one of the most important players on our roster,” McDaniels said. “His leadership, work ethic, and playmaking ability are irreplaceable. While this is a tough setback, we believe in our group, and we know that they will rise to the occasion. We’ll need everyone to step up in his absence.”
In Crosby’s absence, veteran edge rushers like Chandler Jones and rookie Tyree Wilson will be expected to carry the load. Jones, who has dealt with injuries and a lack of production in recent seasons, will need to rediscover his old form. Meanwhile, Wilson, the Raiders’ first-round draft pick in 2023, has shown flashes of potential but has yet to make the kind of impact many expected at this point in his career.
The Raiders are also left with a daunting schedule in the final stretch of the regular season. Upcoming matchups against the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and Denver Broncos will be critical, and the defense will have to perform at an elite level to keep the Raiders’ playoff hopes alive.
For Crosby, the focus now turns to his recovery. The ankle surgery is expected to sideline him for several months, but the Raiders are optimistic that he will make a full recovery in time for the start of the 2025 season. Crosby, who signed a four-year, $98.98 million extension with the Raiders in 2023, is considered the cornerstone of the defense and a player with a long-term future in Las Vegas.
As the Raiders regroup and attempt to adjust to life without their star pass rusher, one thing is certain: the loss of Maxx Crosby is a tough pill to swallow, but it is one that the team must now find a way to overcome. With the playoff race heating up, the Raiders’ defense will need to rally in Crosby’s absence and prove that they are more than just one player. How they respond over the next few weeks will determine if they can keep their season alive without their most impactful defensive player.
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