There haven’t been many bright spots for the 2-5 Las Vegas Raiders this season, but the continued Pro Bowl-caliber play of star edge-rusher Maxx Crosby was one of them.
Crosby entered Sunday’s Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs leading the team in tackles for loss (10), and he’s tied for the team lead in sacks (four), passes defensed (five), interceptions (one), and forced fumbles (one).
The $106.5 million defensive end was a focal point of Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy in Sunday’s game, but unfortunately for the Raiders, the 28-year-old edge-rusher left the contest just before halftime after being on the receiving end of a questionable block by Chiefs tight end Noah Gray.
More Football: NFL Makes Final Decision on Punishment for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
More Football: Bo Nix Throws Shade at Broncos Fans After Improbable Comeback Win vs Giants
Crosby, who exited moments after Gray dove at his knees, was ruled out for the rest of the game with knee and back injuries.
And while fans were likely concerned Crosby’s injury could have been a long-term issue given the optics of Gray’s low block, but the team got good news on his prognosis, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“#Raiders star edge Maxx Crosby, who left today’s game with a knee injury, should be OK moving forward, source said. More of a precaution than anything,” Rapoport tweeted.
More Football: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Exits Cowboys Game With Concerning Injury
Without Crosby, Vegas’ pass-rush leaves much to be desired.
The four-time Pro Bowler has accounted for 33% of the Raiders’ QB hits (six of 18), 31% of their sacks (four of 13), 26% of their pressures (25 of 95), and 23% of their hurries (15 of 65), per Pro Football Focus.
Fortunately for Vegas, the team is on a bye next week and doesn’t play again until its Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 2, giving Crosby an extra week to rest and recover.
More Football: Rams QB Matthew Stafford Makes NFL History vs Jaguars
