Maxx Crosby Injury Update Given by Raiders Star's Knee Surgeon After Failed Ravens Trade

In the aftermath of the Baltimore Ravens' stunning decision to back out of their trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for Maxx Crosby due to concerns over his physical, his surgeon has provided an update on his recovery from knee surgery.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache issued a statement to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday morning about Crosby's injury and rehab:

"Maxx Crosby is doing very well in the early part of his rehab and recovery from surgery to treat a significant meniscus tear and the related stress injury to the bone and cartilage in his knee. He is certainly on track in his planned program….he feels very well and is already much improved compared to before surgery. 

"We truly respect the work of the Ravens staff with Maxx regarding the contract physical exam. We also understand the challenge the staff faces when tasked to provide a future risk assessment based on an evaluation early in the recovery process. This is especially challenging when dealing with an elite player like Maxx considering the level of commitment necessary for a team to obtain him. The timing of this assessment is unfortunate because the apparent risk will lessen as his recovery progresses and his return to performance over the next few months becomes clear.

"At this point, Maxx is doing  an excellent job attacking his rehab and his knee is responding very well. We look forward to Maxx returning to his elite level of performance this season as planned and for several more to come."

Dianna Russini of The Athletic later reported Wednesday that "multiple people around the NFL at all levels" said the Ravens "had all the information" on the state of Crosby's knee and his recovery timeline. Russini added that "many in the league" believe the Ravens "ultimately just got cold feet."

Crosby underwent knee surgery on Jan. 7 after the Raiders shut him down for the final two weeks of the regular season.

Dr. ElAttrache's statement notes the procedure was to treat a "significant" meniscus tear, as well as other "related stress injury to the bone and cartilage in his knee."

There was never an official timetable given for Crosby's return to full health. New York Orthopedics notes that typical recovery time for a torn meniscus can range from six weeks to three months.

Given the timing of Crosby's post, he is only a few weeks away from the three-month mark. However, since there were also other issues to the bone and cartilage in his knee, the recovery period could take longer than normal.

The Ravens have yet to publicly comment on their decision to back out of the trade. Their original agreement with the Raiders to acquire Crosby for two first-round picks represented a new mode of operation for the franchise.

ESPN's Jamison Hensley noted at the time of the agreement it was the first time in the Ravens' 31-year history they were trading even one first-round draft pick for a veteran player.

Crosby has missed a combined seven games over the past two seasons after playing every game over his first four years in the NFL. He finished with 28 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 15 starts last season.