Maxx Crosby’s wife defends NFL star’s injury recovery after trade deal crumbles

Maxx Crosby’s farewell to the Las Vegas Raiders may have been premature. On Tuesday, the Ravens pulled out of a trade that would have brought the star pass rusher to Baltimore for multiple draft picks.

“The Baltimore Ravens have backed out of our trade agreement for Maxx Crosby,” the Raiders said in a statement. “We will have no further comment at this time.” ESPN, citing league sources, reported that the Ravens decision centered around medical concerns that surfaced during Crosby’s physical. NFL trades hinge on players clearing a physical.

The sudden reversal drew a sharp response from Crosby’s wife, Rachel, who defended her husband and pushed back on claims about his knee recovery.

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Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) looks on from the sideline during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 28, 2025. (Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images)

In an Instagram Stories post, Rachel shared a tweet from Crosby’s agent stating the defensive end remains “on track” in his recovery from a knee injury.

“Maxx continues to be on track in his recovery and if anything is ahead of schedule according to his surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache,” C.J. LaBoy wrote. “Maxx remains on track to return during the offseason program & will undoubtedly return as the dominant game wrecker he has been these past 7 seasons.”

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Rachel echoed LaBoy’s comments, adding “Say it louder,” along with a pair of clapping emojis. The NFL star later shared the tweet on his social media platform.

Crosby had surgery in January to address the torn meniscus in his left knee. Despite learning his knee would require offseason surgery, Crosby continued to play through the injury, according to reports. The Raiders shut down Crosby during the final stretch of the 2025 season, a move that appeared to frustrate the five-time Pro Bowler.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) stands on the field after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 14, 2025. (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)

Dr. Neal ElAttrache, Crosby’s surgeon, offered an update last week on the 28-year-old’s recovery.

“Maxx Crosby is doing very well in the early part of his rehab and recovery from surgery to treat a significant meniscus tear and the related stress injury to the bone and cartilage in his knee. He is certainly on track in his planned program….he feels very well and is already much improved compared to before surgery,” ElAttrache told ESPN.

He also acknowledged the challenges the Ravens’ medical staff face in assessing future risk, particularly given Crosby’s stage in the recovery process.

“We truly respect the work of the Ravens staff with Maxx regarding the contract physical exam. We also understand the challenge the staff faces when tasked to provide a future risk assessment based on an evaluation early in the recovery process. This is especially challenging when dealing with an elite player like Maxx considering the level of commitment necessary for a team to obtain him. The timing of this assessment is unfortunate because the apparent risk will lessen as his recovery progresses and his return to performance over the next few months becomes clear.”

Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders sniffs smelling salts during an NFL game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on Nov. 20, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

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Crosby and the Raiders reached an agreement on the three-year extension last March.

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