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Maxx Crosby Returns as Raiders Face Dolphins in Week 1

9/9/2026

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Summary

Crosby Returns

Maxx Crosby returns for the Raiders' season-opening game against the Miami Dolphins.
A trade to the Baltimore Ravens fell through after the Raiders cited Crosby’s meniscus tear.
Dolphins left tackle Patrick Paul, a 2024 second-round pick, called Crosby a “hothead” and wants to sideline him.
Crosby has 69.5 sacks, the sixth-most by any player since 2019.

Summary

Raiders Face Depth

Raiders opened Week 1 after a 0-3 preseason, raising performance concerns.
Injuries to defensive ends Powers-Johnson, Jeanty and rookie Keyron Crawford placed them on IR, exposing thin depth.
Coach Klint Kubiak said practice intensity stays high but focus narrows to Dolphins opponent preparation.
Despite extensive offseason coaching and roster moves, depth remains the Raiders’ biggest issue entering the season opener.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the NFL expanded to 30 teams, adding the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Raiders returned to Oakland, ending their Los Angeles stint. The league had introduced unrestricted free agency in 1993 and a salary cap the prior season, forcing teams like the Raiders to reshuffle rosters. That early-season depth loss echoes today’s Raiders facing the Miami Dolphins with limited veteran help.

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Crosby Returns

Maxx Crosby returns for the Raiders' season-opening game against the Miami Dolphins.
A trade to the Baltimore Ravens fell through after the Raiders cited Crosby’s meniscus tear.
Dolphins left tackle Patrick Paul, a 2024 second-round pick, called Crosby a “hothead” and wants to sideline him.
Crosby has 69.5 sacks, the sixth-most by any player since 2019.

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