The Las Vegas Raiders will sit star defensive end Maxx Crosby for their Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants due to a lingering knee injury. Both teams, tied at 2-13, are battling for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, making the game pivotal. Crosby strongly opposes the decision and has left team facilities.
The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants, both mired in nine-game losing streaks, face off on Sunday, December 28, at 4:05 p.m. ET in Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas. With records of 2-13, the outcome will determine which team holds the tiebreaker for the top selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Giants enter as 1.5-point favorites, with an over/under of 41.5 points via DraftKings.
Raiders management has informed Crosby, who has battled a knee injury since October, that he will not play in this or the final game of the season. The 28-year-old, who signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension in March making him the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback, vehemently disagrees with the shutdown. He left the team's facilities after the news, per reports from NFL Network and Fox Sports. Crosby has recorded 73 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks in 15 games this season.
When asked about the draft implications earlier this week, Crosby was direct: "I don't give a s--- about the pick to be honest. I don't play for that. That's not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world and that's what I'm focused on every day, and being a great leader and being an influence -- being that guy on a consistent basis for my team."
The Giants' offense has struggled recently, with quarterback Jaxson Dart throwing for just 33 yards and an interception in their last game against the Vikings, adding only seven rushing yards. They lost star tackle Andrew Thomas to injury. Meanwhile, Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty impressed with 128 rushing yards, a touchdown, and a 60-yard receiving score against the Texans. New York's run defense allows 150.9 yards per game, setting up a favorable matchup for Jeanty.
This "tank-a-thon" could reshape both franchises, though Crosby's frustration raises questions about his long-term future with Las Vegas, despite his vocal commitment to the team.
