Why Maxx Crosby Was Placed on Season-Ending IR by Raiders amid Injury Drama

The Las Vegas Raiders have placed star edge-rusher Maxx Crosby on season-ending injured reserve, meaning the five-time Pro Bowler will miss his team's final two regular season games.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Crosby—who has played all 15 games despite suffering a left knee injury on Oct. 19 against the Kansas City Chiefs—will likely need surgery in the coming weeks.

Crosby finished his season with 10 sacks and 73 tackles (45 solo) and 20 quarterback hits.

Upon hearing the news, Crosby wanted to leave the team facility and did.

"He knows that he's banged up, so he's talking about, 'I'd like to get out of here.' And I said, 'Yeah, get out of here.' So he took off," head coach Pete Carroll told reporters, per ESPN's Ryan McFadden. "... This didn't just spring on him. We've been talking about it, and it was exactly what you would think he would do and he should do. I agree with him 1,000 percent on how he responded, and I [would have] responded the same way."

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports first reported the departure and said Crosby was unhappy upon hearing the news of the team's decision:

The 2-13 Raiders are in contention for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. They are hosting the 2-13 New York Giants, who are tied with Las Vegas for the worst record in the league, on Sunday. Obviously, that matchup will go a long way toward determining who gets the top pick.

Crosby, understandably, couldn't care less about the pick and wants to play as he's done all season.

"I don't give a s--t about the pick. I don't play for that," Crosby previously told reporters, per McFadden.

"My job is to be the best defensive end in the world, and that's what I focus on every day, and being a great leader and being an influence," Crosby said. "That's [the front office's] job. But that's got nothing to do with me."

The Raiders also recently placed tight end Brock Bowers, who is one of the Raiders' two Pro Bowlers this year (alongside Crosby), on injured reserve. Bowers suffered a knee injury in Week 1 and missed three games in October but still played 12 contests overall (64 catches, 680 yards, seven touchdowns).

Other key Raiders will be suiting up, per Schefter.

Kickoff on Sunday will be 4:05 p.m. ET from Allegiant Stadium.