Klint Kubiak announces Maxx Crosby status for Raiders' final preseason game

The preseason is that time when head coaches have to make decisions about their stars. Do they send them into action to get warmed up at the risk of getting injured, or do they rest their starters and save them for the real games?

One of the most anticipated NFL debuts of the season is Maxx Crosby. The Las Vegas Raiders defensive end is coming back after an injury and a botched trade deal, so all eyes are on him as he enters the new season.

Will Crosby take the field for any of the team's preseason games? Head coach Klint Kubiak has announced a decision on the matter.

Maxx Crosby won't play in the Raiders' final preseason game

Crosby is coming back from a torn meniscus. He underwent surgery to repair it during the offseason. The reason the Baltimore Ravens pulled out of their trade for the defensive star is because of a failed physical and concerns about that injury.

Kubiak isn't going to risk it. Speaking with the media on Friday, he said that Crosby won't play in the team's last preseason game next week, which is against the San Francisco 49ers.

"I think all players need the reps," Kubiak said in his Friday press conference, according to ProFootballTalk's Myles Simmons. "I'm not going to be giving him any, though."

That's a bit of a contradiction, but it makes sense. Kubiak sees the value in players getting reps during the preseason, even veterans, but with Crosby just now coming back from an injury, it makes no sense to risk it. As long as he's good by September, that's what he cares about in the end.