Maxx Crosby injury update: Raiders pass rusher is 'doubtful' vs. Chiefs

The Las Vegas Raiders haven't had a lot of bright spots to point to on the roster in the last few years given the lack of overall success in the standings or talent on the field, but pass rusher Maxx Crosby has been a revelation at defensive end since he was drafted four years ago. Unfortunately, it looks as if the Raiders won't even have him when they host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12.

Crosby has been officially designated as "doubtful" to play, per NFL reporter Tashan Reed, after missing every practice this week for the Raiders with a knee injury.

If Crosby misses the start against the Chiefs, it would be his first missed game in his NFL career.

The Raiders might have to face the Chiefs without their best defender on the field.

Crosby was first drafted by the Raiders back in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and was an instant hit as a sleeper out of Eastern Michigan. Even in that first season, he had 4 forced fumbles and 10 sacks for a Raiders team that needed someone to step up in a significant way. From there, he further ascended to the highest tier of NFL pass rushers with 37.5 sacks through his first four seasons.

This year, Crosby has taken his game to another level with 10.5 sacks in the season's first 11 games, and he appears set to reach new career marks in a number of categories. However, this knee injury could disrupt his personal statistical goals as well as any team goals set for the Raiders in what has been a roller coaster of a season after firing Josh McDaniels as head coach only to rally to a 2-1 record under interim HC Antonio Pierce.

The Chiefs and Raiders are set for their first of two in-season matchups for the 2023 regular season on Sunday afternoon, and K.C. has a two-and-a-half game lead over Las Vegas at the present time. That makes these two games paramount for the Raiders to close that distance and control their own destiny—as much as they can.