Chiefs vs Raiders injury report: Maxx Crosby expected to play in Week 8
By Matt Conner
If you glanced at the injury report for the Las Vegas Raiders for Week 8 on Thursday, you'd have come across some serious causes for concern considering the names who were unable to practice. One day later, those concerns have been alleviated with the news that important figures like Maxx Crosby and Jakobi Meyers will be able to play after all.
The Raiders are going to need every available ounce of talent they can get when hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8 given their position in the AFC West basement. The Chiefs are 6-5 and have a 4.5 game lead through Week 7 over Las Vegas, which means head-to-head matchups are the most effective way for the Raiders to gain any ground this season (if they can).
On Thursday, that job looked a lot harder.
The Raiders got some good injury news on Friday with the word that Crosby and others will be good to go when hosting the Chiefs.
Head coach Antonio Pierce explained that on Friday, however, that the team was just giving Crosby and Meyers some days of rest within the larger framework of the regular season. The NFL season is long—even for teams with no postseason hopes—and it makes sense for veterans to earn some well-deserved rest here and there to allow their bodies to withstand the rigors.
Crosby, the team's best pass rusher, has been dealing with an ongoing ankle injury that's limited him in recent weeks. When coupled with the absence from practice on Thursday, it was easy to see why some Chiefs fans thought the Raiders might be out of luck before playing the game. As it turns out, Crosby is going to play and should be rested all the more by sitting out of some practice reps.
The same can be said of Meyers, a wide receiver who is also working his way forward from an ankle injury. Given the Raiders' recent trade of Davante Adams to the Jets, Meyers' role becomes all the more important as the Raiders adjust their offensive approach.
It's interesting to note that Meyers is designated officially as doubtful on the injury report, because Pierce sounded much more positive.
#Raiders HC Antonio Pierce said WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle) and DE Maxx Crosby (ankle) took rest days yesterday, but they'll practice today. Both players are expected to play against the Chiefs on Sunday.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) October 25, 2024
Meyers has 25 catches for 273 yards so far in 2024.
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