The Broncos are heading into Sunday’s AFC West clash with a tall task: slowing down Maxx Crosby. The Raiders’ star edge rusher was officially listed as questionable after sitting out two practices with a knee issue, but he’s suiting up - and that’s a big deal.
Crosby is the heartbeat of Las Vegas’ defense, a relentless presence off the edge who can wreck a gameplan if left unchecked. His availability changes the tone of this matchup. Denver’s offensive line, which has had its ups and downs this season, will need to be sharp in both pass protection and run blocking to keep Crosby from taking over.
It’s not just Crosby the Broncos have to prepare for. The Raiders are getting a few other key contributors back on the field.
Safety Jamal Adams is active, along with center Jordan Meredith, safety Jeremy Chinn, and guard Dylan Parham. That’s a boost on both sides of the ball - Adams and Chinn provide physicality and range in the secondary, while Meredith and Parham help stabilize the interior of the offensive line.
Las Vegas will be without several players, though. Running back Zamir White is inactive, which could impact the Raiders’ backfield depth.
Cornerback Darnay Holmes and wide receivers Dont’e Thornton and Alex Bachman are also out, thinning the options in the secondary and at wideout. Tight end Michael Mayer, a young weapon with upside, is sidelined as well, along with quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
For Denver, the inactive list includes defensive tackle D.J. Jones, which is a notable absence in the trenches.
Jones has been a key part of the Broncos’ run defense, and his absence could open up some running lanes for the Raiders. Tight end Nate Adkins, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, offensive lineman Geron Christian, linebacker Que Robinson, and cornerback Reese Taylor round out the list of Broncos who won’t dress.
With both teams dealing with injuries and lineup shuffles, this game could come down to which side adjusts better on the fly. But with Maxx Crosby active and ready to go, the Broncos know exactly where the pressure’s coming from. The question is: can they stop it?