Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby will have ankle surgery and miss the rest of the season, adding to the list of injuries that have hurt Las Vegas.
The Raiders, who are currently on a nine-game losing streak with a 2-11 record, are missing about half of the defense that was expected to start the season.
Las Vegas will play the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.
“I can feel bad for myself and make excuses but I … refuse,” Crosby wrote on social media. “I will get this surgery & be on a war path for greatness every day and be back the best version of myself. I truly believe in my soul that I’m changing the game one snap at a time and changing the way this position is viewed.”
Crosby isn’t just the latest major defensive injury; he’s a key player on that side of the ball and one of the team’s top locker-room leaders. He has also been a role model, having played four seasons in a row without missing a game until this year.
However, Crosby played through an injured ankle late last season and wasn’t fully healthy after hurting it again on Sept. 15 at Baltimore. He ended up missing the game on Sept. 29 against the Cleveland Browns.
“I have absolutely zero regrets with my process, my approach, and my discipline to this game,” Crosby said. “Instead of sitting out for over a month with my first high ankle sprain @ Baltimore, I only missed 1 game and came back and fought all year because that’s who I am.”
Crosby has 7 1/2 sacks and 17 tackles for loss this season. He’s just half a sack away from becoming the third Raiders player since 1982 to reach 60 career sacks.
But now he will have to wait until next season to reach that milestone after getting injured a week ago at Tampa Bay.
“As much as it pains me not to go to war with my brothers and for the fans, I truly believe everything happens for a reason,” Crosby said.
Quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who has a bruised left knee, is listed as questionable. He has not practiced the last three days, but coach Antonio Pierce is hopeful that O’Connell will play.
If O’Connell doesn’t start, the Raiders will turn to Desmond Ridder, who would face his old team. Ridder started 13 games for the Falcons last season.
Also, cornerback Nate Hobbs, who has been out since Nov. 3 because of an ankle injury, did not receive an injury designation and was a full participant in practice on Saturday.
Defensive tackle Adam Butler (concussion) is questionable, and cornerback Sam Webb (back) is doubtful.
