Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is doubtful Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs with a knee injury after not practicing all week, the team announced Friday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Crosby hasn’t missed a game due to injury in his five-year career. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said Friday that Crosby is getting “around-the-clock treatment.”
- Crosby is tied for fifth in the NFL with 10 1/2 sacks, the third time in five seasons he’s reached double figures. He has also become one of the best run defenders in the league and is the leader of a surprisingly solid defense.
- The Raiders enter Sunday’s matchup with a 5-6 record, third in the AFC West. Las Vegas is 2-1 under the interim coach Pierce.
Raiders cautious with Crosby
Crosby suffered a knee injury against the Steelers back in Week 3. He’s missed a few practices and has been limited during others with the injuries since then, but it never caused him to miss any games. Coming off not practicing at all this week due to the knee, however, that could change.
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Crosby is as tough as they come and will attempt to play through it, but the Raiders will err on the side of caution with their star edge rusher if need be. They’re going into a bye next week, which will give Crosby additional time to get back right. — Tashan Reed, Raiders beat writer
If Crosby can’t go, it could provide an opportunity for Tyree Wilson to show he can handle a larger role in the defense. The rookie, who the Raiders drafted at No. 7 this year, has been sparingly used and has largely been ineffective when he’s on the field. Even if he doesn’t get the start opposite Malcolm Koonce — Malik Reed could be another option — he’ll get more reps than usual. — Reed
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(Photo: Lon Horwedel / USA Today)
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