Maxx Crosby’s Load Management Continues Into Season

Maxx Crosby underwent knee surgery in the offseason to repair a torn meniscus. The Raiders have been taking it easy with their star edge rusher in his return to the field, including in Week 1.

In the season opener, Crosby played 45 of 55 defensive snaps, which is still a high percentage of plays, but is much lower than a usual Crosby game. Consider last season where Crosby only missed 10 or more plays in one game – the Week 7 game against the Chiefs when he injured his knee. 

After a bye week, Crosby returned and played 77 of 80 snaps in Week 9. He never sat on the sideline for more than three plays in any game the rest of the season until he was placed on injured reserve with two games left. 

Crosby never leaves the field for 10 plays. But the Raiders are choosing to keep him on the sideline more than ever this season. 

When asked after the game, head coach Klint Kubiak said it was his decision to have Crosby sit out more than usual. It is the same reasoning Kubiak gave during the preseason when Crosby didn’t play a single preseason snap.  

There are a few reasons the Raiders are incentivized to limit Crosby’s playing time. He is returning from knee surgery and keeping some sort of restriction could be helpful for his full recovery. 

Beyond the immediate benefit, Crosby is 29 years old and might still be a Raider when the franchise completes its rebuild. Having a healthy Crosby two years from now is more valuable than allowing him to play every snap of every game. If the Raiders believe they can help manage his health while keeping an eye on the future, they should.

There is a possibility of trading Crosby as well. The Raiders agreed to send him to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round picks, but the Ravens backed out of the trade. If Las Vegas wants to trade Crosby at the trade deadline or in the offseason, having him at full strength will make him easier to move. 

Crosby’s time on the sideline didn’t diminish his play against the Dolphins. He tied for the team lead with eight quarterback pressures and racked 1.5 sacks on the day. He is the Raiders’ best defensive player whether he plays 45 or 55 snaps.