The Las Vegas Raiders have circled for the start of training camp late next month as a targeted date for star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby to return to practice.
Crosby, speaking to Raiders’ reporters for the first time this eventual offseason Wednesday after an open OTA session, didn’t project anything but optimism that that target date will be reached.
Crosby said he is “really close” to start practicing.“ He was been on the field stretching with his teammates before each OTA session and new Las Vegas
defensive coordinator Rob Leonard said Wednesday Crosby is doing everything but practicing and he is fully involved.
So, it appears, barring a setback, Crosby’s timeline of being ready for the start of training cap is on schedule. Thus, he will have plenty of time to prepare for the Raiders’ September 13 season opener against the visiting Miami Dolphins.
Crosby had offseason knee surgery after being shut down late in the season. He said he thinks this is the longest rebab of his life. The Raiders, of course, agreed to trade Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round draft picks in March. But the Ravens nixed the deal after days later after Crosby reportedly failed a physical.
He addressed the situation on his own podcast in March, but Crosby declined to talk about the botched trade Wednesday saying its “water under the bridge.”
As he has said before this offseason, Crosby said Wednesday he is excited about the Raiders’ new coaching staff and he is “right where he is something to be.”
In other OTA notes:
- For the second straight week of media being able to view practice, rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy was not on the field. He had been previously doing some things on the practice field. He is working through a knee injury with hopes of playing this season.
- New veteran slot cornerback Taron Johnson at the session Wednesday. He has attended this week’s practices after missing the previous offseason work because he reportedly wanted his contract adjusted. It is not known if that has happened. But it is clear Johnson, who the Raiders acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Bills in March, are now on the same page heading to the mandatory part of the season.
- New free-agent addition, linebacker Nakobe Dean, continued not to be part of the voluntary sessions. He reportedly has been out for family reasons and there are no issues between him and the team. Thus, he should be present next week at the three-day mandatory minicamp, which closes the offseason work.
- Second-year wide receiver Dont’e Thornton reportedly was wearing a red jersey and working on his own, indicating he is dealing with some sort of injury. But if he is on the field, that’s a good sign that is nothing long term.
- According to ESPN, other than Dean and McCoy, the players not present Wednesday were safety Jeremy Chinn, wide receiver Jalen Nailor, tight ends Ian Thomas and Carter Runyan and defensive tackle Benito Jones. Chinn did speak to media members afterward, so he was present. He said he is excited about how multiple the defense is going to be because it will like play more free.
- Leonard on his motivation as he begins his new role: “It’s in my heart to build this place right, and see the Raiders win. That would mean a lot.”
- Crosby had several young players at his house last weekend to watch NBA playoffs. He said he beat rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza at a game of H.O.R.S.E. What a nice team building event.
