In Week 1, the Raiders hosted the Miami Dolphins, and Crosby logged fewer snaps than usual. He later revealed that the team had to persuade him to rotate out for the first time in years. “Some good power rushes, some good edge rushes, a couple of spins. We’re doing our thing,” Crosby said on his podcast. “I felt great. It felt great. Definitely different, you know, rotating a little more. That’s something that they had to convince me of. Took some time and some effort, but buying into that, whatever can help the team win. And I think it’s going to overall help me as well on a personal level, just being able to be fresher, you know what I mean? Continue to trust the plan, trust what we’re doing.”
Crosby added that he doesn’t need to play 99 percent of the snaps, though he would love to. He described a period of quiet focus and self-awareness, saying he understands himself well and must practice the art of stillness.
The shift isn’t merely based on a preference to rest. Crosby previously dealt with a knee injury in the 2025 season, playing through a left-knee issue before the Raiders placed him on injured reserve with two games remaining. He underwent surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus. The rehab process was unusually lengthy. When Crosby returned to the field in July, he described two months where mobility was severely limited: he couldn’t bend his knee, wore a cast, and couldn’t walk or put weight on his leg. Sleep was also a struggle for about a month and a half.
Despite the limited workload, Crosby remained productive. In Week 1 against Miami, he played fewer snaps but still generated eight quarterback pressures and 1.5 sacks. Notably, his fourth-quarter sack on Malik Willis forced a critical 4-yard loss and a Miami punt, with Las Vegas holding a 27-13 lead at the time.
Coaches confirmed that the reduced snap count was planned ahead of the game. Head coach Klint Kubiak stated that the plan to manage Crosby’s workload was intentional and not a reaction to a new injury.
For Crosby, the strategic rotation represents more than just rest; it signals a broader approach aimed at preserving his effectiveness throughout the season. After years of being on the field for the vast majority of defensive plays, he is now embracing a model that prioritizes freshness and sustainability, with the hope of maintaining peak performance deeper into the campaign.
