Raiders break silence on Maxx Crosby IR decision
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The Las Vegas Raiders defended their decision to place Maxx Crosby on injured reserve to end the defensive season as drama mounts over Maxx Crosby’s reaction and the team’s upcoming game against the New York Giants.
The Raiders placed Crosby on IR, prompting him to leave the team’s training complex, FOX Sports reported.
The Raiders wanted to shut down star defensive end for the team’s final two games of the regular season, but Crosby was “strongly opposed” to the idea and left.
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Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Maxx Crosby (98) reacts during the second half at SoFi Stadium on Nov. 30, 2025. (Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images)
On Saturday, the Raiders said their decision was in the best interest of both the team and Crosby.
“We have made the decision to place Maxx Crosby on the Reserve/Injured list for the remainder of the 2025 season,” the team said. “After deliberate and extensive consultation with numerous top medical experts, it became clear that this decision was in the best interest of both the team and the player. Maxx is the ultimate warrior and has fought extremely hard to compete with his teammates every week since suffering a knee injury mid-season.
“We are grateful for his outstanding contributions. He is a true Raider on and off the field, and we look forward to his leadership and resilience in 2026 and beyond.”
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrate during the second half against the Houston Texans on Dec. 21, 2025 in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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The Raiders and Giants will meet in a matchup that will likely determine who gets the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Both teams are 2-13 this season.
Crosby was asked about the possibility of going first, but he didn’t seem too concerned.
“That’s not what I’m playing for. My job is to be the best defensive player in the world,” Crosby told reporters Tuesday.
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“That’s what I focus on every day. Being a great leader. And having an impact. And consistently being that guy for my team. The front office, the coaches, they do that. But it has nothing to do with me. I’ve learned that lesson in the past. You can’t control everything. That’s not my job description. My job is to be the best in the world at what I do.”
Fox News’ Ryan Morik and Ryan Canfield contributed to this report.
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