Despite Swollen Knee, Maxx Crosby Unlikely To Miss First Career Game

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is widely regarded as one of the premier defensive ends in the NFL due to his exceptional pass-rushing skills. However, what sets him apart over his five-year career is his durability.

Throughout his NFL tenure, Crosby has never missed a game. However, in Week 12, that streak was in jeopardy. Crosby was absent from practice the entire week and was listed as doubtful on the team's injury report before the divisional clash against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite dealing with a knee injury, the 6-foot-5 EDGE rusher persevered and took the field. He participated in 82% of the team’s snaps, a workload that would typically suffice for most defensive ends but is considered atypical for Crosby, who usually never leaves the field.

Following the game, Crosby shared a photo displaying the severity of the knee injury he played through.

According to the Pro Football Docs, Crosby battled septic bursitis in his left knee, indicating an infection in the knee. Fortunately, there is no structural damage, but the significant pain associated with the condition required Crosby to persevere. It is probable that he is undergoing a course of antibiotics to address the infection and manage the discomfort.

“It was blowing up like a balloon,” Crosby said in a November 27 clip posted on X from  “The Rush with Maxx Crosby” podcast. “I woke up the next morning and almost passed out. I felt like I was dying. I was literally bed-ridden. I couldn’t move.”

The Raiders are currently on a bye week, which could have provided Crosby an opportunity to rest and rehab his swollen knee for twoweeks. However, Crosby's determination led him to play in the team's game against the Chiefs.

After the bye week Crosby should be close to fully healthy.

This season, Crosby has 11.5 sacks, 66 tackles, and one forced fumble.

“I trained all year round to do this, give myself the opportunity to play 17 guaranteed games and if I can go, I’m going to go,” Crosby said during his November 26 postgame media availability.