Maxx Crosby’s Season Likely Over: Raiders Star to Undergo Ankle Surgery
Las Vegas Raiders fans, brace yourselves. The team’s three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, Maxx Crosby, has officially been ruled out of Monday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. But the bad news doesn’t stop there. According to league sources, Crosby is expected to undergo arthroscopic ankle surgery that will likely sideline him for the remainder of the 2024 season.
The surgery, scheduled for Monday, will be performed by Dr. Rob Anderson. This procedure will not only address the damage Crosby has been playing through since Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, but it will also determine whether additional surgery is necessary. The extent of the injury appears to be worse than initially thought, which has led to the decision to shut Crosby down for the season.
Playing Through Pain: Crosby’s Grit on Display
It’s worth noting that Crosby has been battling this ankle injury all season long. Despite the pain and limitations, he continued to suit up for the Raiders, showcasing the kind of toughness and determination that has made him a fan favorite. However, the time has come to prioritize his long-term health, and doctors believe surgery is the best course of action.
With the Raiders already eliminated from postseason contention, the timing of this decision makes sense. Crosby will now shift his focus to rehabilitation with an eye on returning stronger for the 2025 season. But here’s the kicker: will that return be in a Raiders uniform?
Trade Rumors Swirl Around Crosby’s Future
As one of the league’s premier defensive ends, Crosby’s name has naturally come up in trade discussions. Multiple teams reportedly inquired about his availability leading up to the NFL trade deadline in November. However, the Raiders made it clear that Crosby wasn’t going anywhere. In fact, team owner Mark Davis emphatically told ESPN, “We’re Not Trading Maxx Crosby. Before Or After the Trade Deadline!!!”
That said, the offseason is a different beast. With the Raiders looking to rebuild their roster around a new quarterback in 2025, it’s almost certain that other teams will come knocking again. Crosby, who turns 28 in August, is entering the prime of his career. His combination of talent, leadership, and work ethic makes him an attractive target for any team looking to bolster its defense.
What’s Next for the Raiders and Crosby?
For the Raiders, the decision to keep or trade Crosby will be a pivotal one. On one hand, he’s a cornerstone player who can anchor their defense for years to come. On the other hand, trading him could bring in valuable draft capital or players to accelerate their rebuild. It’s a classic dilemma for a team in transition.
As for Crosby, his immediate focus will be on his recovery. The outcome of Monday’s surgery will provide more clarity on the severity of his injury and the timeline for his return. Whether he stays in Las Vegas or moves on to a new team, one thing is certain: Crosby’s best football is still ahead of him.
Key Takeaways
- Maxx Crosby is set to undergo arthroscopic ankle surgery on Monday, likely ending his 2024 season.
- The injury, initially sustained in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, may require additional surgery depending on Monday’s findings.
- The Raiders have already been eliminated from playoff contention, allowing Crosby to focus on rehabbing for 2025.
- Despite trade inquiries from multiple teams, the Raiders refused to entertain offers for Crosby before the trade deadline.
- With Crosby turning 28 in August, his future with the Raiders remains uncertain as the team looks to rebuild.
For now, Raiders fans can only hope that Crosby’s recovery goes smoothly and that he returns to the field as the dominant force they’ve come to know and love. Whether that happens in Las Vegas or elsewhere, one thing is clear: Maxx Crosby’s story is far from over.
Originally Written by: Adam Schefter
