HENDERSON, Nev. –The Las Vegas Raiders will be without three-time first-team All-Pro receiver Davante Adams and three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby due to injuries, according to coach Antonio Pierce on Friday. Pierce provided no timelines for their returns.
Adams injured his hamstring during practice on Thursday, while Crosby had a left high ankle sprain during the Raiders’ Week 2 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
The Raiders will be without three starters: linebacker Divine Deablo (oblique), right tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (knee/ankle), and tight end Michael Mayer (personal reasons). Pierce emphasised that guys like Harrison Bryant, Brock Bowers, and Jakobi Meyers must seize opportunities.
“But collectively, nobody needs to be Davante Adams,” Pierce said. “I do not need another Davante. There is only one, correct? I only need the best version of Jakobi Meyers.
“We’ll see what happens come Sunday, but we really feel [positive] giving these guys the last 12 hours and now today, tomorrow to get ready for the game.”
Adams has 18 receptions for 209 yards and one touchdown through three games. He last missed a game in 2021, with the Green Bay Packers.
It will be Crosby’s first missed game in his sixth NFL season.
When asked if his ailment would keep him out, Crosby remained noncommittal.
“I’m not worried about that right now,” said Crosby, who was hamstrung last week against Carolina, when he failed to record a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit in the same game for the first time since Week 2 of 2023. “I’m only worried about today. Every day, I come in here first and leave last, doing everything I can to get well. So that is all I am worried about right now.
“That’s the hardest part. I mean, I play one way, and when you are unable to perform certain things, it is difficult. But I did everything I could to produce, and I believe I accomplished some nice things, but it was difficult. I have a Timberland-boot-sized wrapping around my leg, and it’s tough, but at the end of the day, I’m not complaining. As I previously stated, I am focussing on getting healthy and taking things one day at a time.
Malcolm Koonce, the Raiders’ other starting defensive end, suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice two days before the season opener.
Las Vegas’ No. 7 first-round draft pick Tyree Wilson, along with Janarius Robinson, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Snowden, are anticipated to play a larger role this season.
“Don’t worry about being Maxx Crosby,” Pierce urged to Wilson. “Do not put on a cape. Don’t attempt to be 98; instead, be No. 9. Be 97. Be 44. Be 49. And please give us your best. Don’t strive to be that man and become the game’s hero. Just be a team member and a defensive end.
“You need to set the edge. You’re dropping. If you have the opportunity to go inside for the stunt, pursue that career. Simply do your job. And I believe that if we do this consistently, we will achieve the desired results.
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