Raiders’ pass rush takes a hit, QB situation still in flux
The Las Vegas Raiders released their final injury report ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football and ruled star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (ankle) out. Also, starting quarterback Aidan O’Connell (knee) is questionable.
#Raiders will be without Crosby against the Falcons. O’Connell and Butler are questionable. Webb is doubtful.
It remains unclear whether O’Connell or Desmond Ridder will start on Monday. pic.twitter.com/xt0md9jgqY
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) December 14, 2024
Crosby being out is a major blow to the Raiders’ pass rush. He leads the team in sacks with 7.5 while K’Lavon Chaisson and Tyree Wilson are tied for second with three each. Those two will certainly need to step up to put pressure on Falcons’ quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has struggled recently when under duress with eight interceptions and no touchdowns in the last four games. Additionally, defensive tackle Adam Butler (concussion) is questionable.
O’Connell’s status is promising, but he didn’t practice this week after suffering a knee injury that caused him to exit last Sunday’s contest in Tampa Bay early. O’Connell did participate in a walk-through on Wednesday, however, Desmond Ridder has taken the first-team reps during the team’s practices.
Cornerback Sam Webb (back) is doubtful but it looks like Nate Hobbs (ankle) will play for the first time since the Raiders’ bye week about a month ago. Hobbs was limited on Thursday and Friday but a full participant on Saturday.
The Raiders and Falcons will kickoff at 5:30 p.m. PST at Allegiant Stadium on Monday as a part of ESPN’s Monday Night Football doubleheader, airing on ESPN while the Chicago Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings at 5:00 p.m. on ABC.
