EDITOR'S UPDATE: Maxx Crosby has announced in an Instagram post that he will undergo ankle surgery and miss the remainder of the season.
The Raiders won’t have star defender Maxx Crosby on Monday night against the Falcons, and there are real questions about if the Pro Bowler will play again this season.
While his team is hosting Atlanta, sources say Crosby will be in Charlotte, North Carolina, visiting with noted foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson to determine the extent of his ankle injuries and his availability for the final three games of the year.
While it is not known what the outcome of those tests will be, surgery is considered likely, and the mere fact that he traveled across the country for tests and to be examined by one of the nation’s experts shows how serious he is taking the issue. Crosby has fought to stay on the field all season despite playing on a serious injury.
Crosby has played in 12 games this season, with this ankle issue plaguing him for much of the campaign. He first appeared on the Raiders' injury report because of his ankle in Week 3. Crosby described the injury as a high ankle sprain on the Let’s Go! Podcast earlier this season.
Still, he has 7.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, five passes defensed and is currently tied for NFL lead with 17 tackles for loss.
It has been a tumultuous season for the Raiders, who are 2-11 heading into Monday's game and are in contention for the top pick of the draft. When owner Mark Davis was asked about the job securities of his coaching staff, he said he wanted to let the season play out, but then noted one specific aspect that he’s observed -- and it’s something exemplified by Crosby and others.
“One thing this team has done is fight hard,” Davis said this past week at the conclusion of the December League Meeting. “They’re fighting hard and that’s not always something you find all the time [with a team with our record]. So, that’s a positive.”