When your team’s two best players are both on the injury list, it can be a little concerning. When they’re officially questionable for the game, it’s even more concerning. That was the case this week with Maxx Crosby (ankle) and Christian Wilkins (knee).
Head coach Antonio Pierce said Friday that Crosby would play in the game, so barring any setbacks, Maxx would play. Not a huge surprise considering he has a history of playing despite injuries.
“He hasn’t missed a single practice,” Pierce said of Crosby. “No matter what I want to do, I have to fight 98 and everything he does. But the ultimate warrior. I mean, you can see it in the stats this year, he hasn’t missed a single snap, and I don’t expect him to miss Sunday. I don’t expect him to miss Sunday.”
The only question that remains is whether Wilkins’ knee is healthy enough to participate. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, he will also play on Sunday.
#Robber According to sources, defensive players Maxx Crosby (ankle) and Christian Wilkins (knee) are both listed as questionable and will play on Sunday against Carolina.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) 22 September 2024
The Raiders have one of the best defenses in the league. That defense is built on their pass rush. In the first two games, the two often put each other in sacks and pressure situations.
“Just good chemistry,” Pierce said of Wilkins and Crosby. “And I think it’s a selfless play by Christian because there are no sacks, right? There aren’t a lot of stats. We’re talking about Maxx Crosby, AFC (Defensive) Player of the Week. A lot of that comes from what’s happening with Christian. Christian is demanding too, right? He takes on those guard and tackle duties, whatever it may be, and that gives Maxx the freedom to win those one-on-one opportunities. And Maxx makes the most of it.”
