Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders
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(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The New England Patriots published theirlatest injury report on September 5. Moreover, it’s not good news for quarterback Drake Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel as rookie tackle Will Campbell could miss the game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Campbell not suiting up would mean bad news for Drake Maye, as Maxx Crosby is lining up on the other side. On September 4, Campbell appeared on the injury report with a new ankle issue.
After being limited in the past two practices, Campbell is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s opener in the latest injury report. If he can’t go or is limited, New England could turn to rookie swing tackle Marcus Bryant or Vederian Lowe, who started 13 games at left tackle for the Patriots last season.
Crosby is coming off a down 2024 season by his standards, with only 7.5 sacks. With the Raiders star potentially facing either a limited Campbell and/or a backup tackle, it’s an opportunity for the 28-year-old to exploit this issue on the Patriots’ offensive line to get after Maye and wreak havoc.
How Will thePatriots Stop Raiders’ Maxx Crosby?
On September 2,Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told WEEI that containing Crosby will require a team effort, noting that he can line up anywhere on the field.
“It’s going to be with all of them,” Vrabel said. “And then Maxx can line up wherever he wants, or they can put him wherever they want. So I think it has to be for everybody blocking them. He has acertain play style. I think if you drop your head,he’s going to jump around. And if you’re over-aggressive,he’s going to try to make you miss.
“I think just a certain play style of just making sure we’re not overextended to where—again, he has a very unique play style where he’ll jab and jump around, and he uses his length and athleticism as opposed to, let’s say, maybe more of a power player. Not that he can’t do that, but again, he makes his money with instinctiveness and jumping under. If you overreach him, he’s coming under and he’s getting in the backfield.”
Patriots Get More Bad News
While Campbellis listed as questionable, New England will be without Christian Gonzalez. The Raiders won’t have to worry about the standout cornerback, who has missed all practices this week andwas officially ruled out on the Patriots’ injury report.
Gonzalez, a reigning second-team All-Pro, hasn’t practiced since sustaining a hamstring injury while covering a pass route on July 28. Earlier this week,Vrabelprovided an update on Gonzalez’s recovery, noting that the prolonged absence will extend into the start of the regular season.
“He’s continuing to work, and he’ll do some stuff on the side,” Vrabel said. “We’ll continue to work and treat and make sure that we’re doing everythingthat we can to help him, and he’s doing everything he can to get back out on the field. That’s the only update I have right now.
“I do like where he’s at from an engagement standpoint. We’ve been through this with other players, and I like where he’s at from that standpoint. In the meetings, locked in, following along at practice, which is difficult. To think that a player that’s not in there can follow along, I’ve been through that as a player and a coach, and I think he’s done a nice job of being able to do that.”