Maxx Crosby, after what’s been called a “tumultuous offseason,” won’t hit the field for any preseason snaps this year. That’s right, zero. Despite being set to play for the Raiders in 2026, his head coach, Klint Kubiak, is making it crystal clear that even if other starters get some reps in the preseason finale, Crosby will be watching from the sidelines. This isn’t just a minor decision, folks, it’s a massive signal about where things stand with one of the league’s top defensive talents.
Kubiak’s Zero-Reps Mandate
Coach Kubiak, speaking in his Friday press conference, laid it out plain: “I think all players need the reps,” he said. And then, the kicker: “I’m not going to be giving him any, though.” Talk about a tough love approach! This isn’t just a casual benching; it’s a deliberate decision to keep one of the league’s top defenders completely under wraps. What does it mean when a coach acknowledges the importance of reps for *everyone* but specifically excludes a guy who’s had such a wild few months? It tells you this is bigger than just saving a veteran’s legs. This is about managing something seriously significant, and Crosby’s readiness is under the microscope from day one.
The Knee Concerns Are Real
The core reason for this dramatic preseason absence? It all goes back to a torn meniscus, which Crosby had surgery to repair. This isn’t just some minor ding; it’s serious enough that the Baltimore Ravens actually backed out of a trade for Crosby, specifically citing “long-term concerns about the knee.” Think about that for a second. A team was ready to pull the trigger on a consistent Pro Bowl talent, then walked away because the medicals on that knee scared them off. That’s a huge red flag waving over the entire situation.
It’s a wild contrast to the player we saw last year, too. In just 15 games, Crosby was an absolute beast on the field. He racked up 10.0 sacks, posted a career-high 28 tackles for loss, swatted away six passes defensed, and even grabbed his first career interception. The dude earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl nod because he was consistently terrorizing offenses. But now, despite that incredible resume, he’s being completely shelved for the preseason. It screams caution, doesn’t it?
So, the regular season kicks off, and Maxx Crosby will hit the field cold, without a single game rep under his belt. All eyes will be on that knee and how he performs after such an unusual lead-up. Can he immediately return to that dominant, Pro Bowl form after a tumultuous offseason, a torn meniscus, and absolutely no preseason action? That’s the million-dollar question heading into opening day. We’re all gonna be watching closely to see if he can shake off the rust and prove those long-term concerns wrong.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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