The Las Vegas Raiders announced on Saturday that they have placed standout pass rusher Maxx Crosby on injured reserve, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season. This move closes his participation for the final two games against the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs.
The decision follows extensive consultation with multiple leading medical experts who advised that sidelining Crosby is in the best interest of both the player and the franchise. The Raiders praised Crosby as "the ultimate warrior," highlighting his relentless effort to compete through a knee injury sustained midway through the season.
"Maxx has shown exceptional dedication and toughness, qualities that epitomize what it means to be a Raider both on and off the field," stated the team. The organization expressed optimism about his future leadership role as they look toward 2026 and beyond.
This development comes one day after the Raiders took a controversial step by sidelining Crosby for the upcoming game against the Giants, a decision endorsed by head coach Pete Carroll. Reports confirmed no discord exists between Crosby and team management despite his departure from the facility following the announcement.
Coach Carroll emphasized Crosby's resilience, stating, "He's been fighting his butt off the whole time. He's one of the fiercest competitors out there, always giving everything he has to help the team."
The Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants enter their matchup with identical 2-13 records. This low standing awards the loser a priority position in the draft, a coveted spot the Raiders might use to select a promising quarterback prospect, such as Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Such a pick aims to address the franchise’s long-standing search for playoff success, which has eluded it for over two decades.
Beyond Crosby's injury-related unavailability, the Raiders have made additional roster decisions signaling a rebuilding phase. Tight end Brock Bowers, a two-time Pro Bowler and recent first-team All-Pro, and safety Jeremy Chinn have both been placed on season-ending injured reserve due to knee and back injuries, respectively. Chinn has been a consistent starter with notable defensive statistics this season, including 114 tackles and multiple tackles for loss.
Maxx Crosby remains among the NFL's elite pass rushers, tallying 10 sacks and achieving a career-best 28 tackles for loss this year. This marks his third season in four years with double-digit sacks. Despite his commitment to the Raiders, Crosby previously indicated his focus remains on winning rather than individual accolades or draft positions.
In a recent statement, Crosby downplayed draft-related ambitions, saying, "I don’t give a (expletive) about the pick. That’s not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world, and that’s what I concentrate on every day. Leadership and consistency for my team are my priorities." He also expressed a desire to begin and likely conclude his career with the Raiders, though the franchise could explore trade options for the 28-year-old currently under a lucrative contract.
Crosby signed a three-year extension in March featuring $106.5 million in total value with $91.5 million guaranteed, momentarily positioning him as the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The contract secures his presence through the 2029 season.