Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby underwent a meniscus cleanup procedure on his left knee after being shut down before Week 18 of the NFL season. The early shutdown gave Crosby additional time to address the injury and begin his recovery heading into the offseason.
While the procedure was initially described as a routine cleanup, post-surgery details have prompted questions about whether the operation was more involved. According to Dr. David Chao, Pro Football Doc, images Crosby shared following surgery showed him wearing a knee brace rather than a simple wrap — a notable detail in the recovery process.
“I don’t doubt Max Crosby and I love his desire to play, but here’s my concern,” Chao said. “It seems to me this was more than just a meniscus trim or routine knee cleanup. In the photo he posted from his recovery bed, he’s wearing a knee brace, not just a wrap. Knee braces are not typically used after simple arthroscopic cleanup surgery.”
Chao noted that while the exact procedure has not been disclosed, the presence of a brace raises the possibility that Crosby underwent a meniscus repair with suturing, a procedure that typically requires a longer recovery timeline than a standard meniscectomy. “We don’t know for sure, but it certainly raises the question that this could have been more than just a meniscectomy cleanup,” Chao said.
Crosby is expected to have the full offseason to recover, which could explain why the Las Vegas Raiders opted to shut him down before the season finale. If the surgery was indeed more extensive, the additional recovery time could prove beneficial as Crosby prepares for the 2026 season.
For now, the outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with team officials and medical analysts hoping the extended offseason allows Crosby to return at full strength.
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