The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants will be battling it out in Week 17, with the loser having the inside track to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Moreover, both teams appear to be shutting down key players for this game, citing injury concerns.
While the Raiders have reportedly made decisions on Brock Bowers and Maxx Crosby, the Giants will be missing a key player on their offensive line, as Andrew Thomas is out for the game.
On December 26, the Giants’ senior editor, Dan Salomone, listed the injury status of several New York players, and Thomas is the biggest name among those ruled out for the game due to a hamstring issue.
Several other players have been ruled out, including wide receiver Beaux Collins and defensive lineman D.J. Davidson, both dealing with neck/concussion issues, along with offensive lineman Evan Neal and safety Tyler Nubin, who are sidelined by neck injuries. Center John Michael Schmitz is considered doubtful because of a finger injury.
Meanwhile, offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu is listed as questionable with a calf issue, cornerback Cor’Dale Flott is managing a knee injury, and defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr. is dealing with ankle and toe injuries, leaving all three with uncertain availability.
Raiders Will Also Be Missing Key Players for Giants Game
Like the Giants, the Raiders are keeping key players out of this game due to injuries. Bowers and starting safety Jeremy Chinn have already been shut down for the year after being placed on injured reserve.
Attention has centered on Crosby throughout the season as the star defensive end has played through a lingering knee issue. Even so, his approach has remained the same. If the body allows it, the intention is always to be on the field.
That will not be the case in Week 17. The Raiders have opted to hold Crosby out of the matchup with the New York Giants, a decision first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
While Crosby pushed to play, the organization ultimately chose a more cautious route. That stance is not surprising for a player known for relentless competitiveness, as sitting out is rarely part of the mindset.
Still, with Las Vegas focused on long-term priorities, there is little incentive to expose a cornerstone defender to further knee trouble in late-season games that carry no real benefit and could even work against the team if they result in wins.
Raiders’ Maxx Crosby Didn’t Care for Tanking
This week, Crosby was asked about the draft implications of this game, and he didn’t hold back his response amid all the tank talk surrounding it.
“I don’t give a sh– about the pick,” Crosby told reporters on December 23. “To be honest, I don’t play for that. That’s not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world, and that’s what I focus on every day: Being a great leader, being an influence, and being that guy on a consistent basis for my team.
“That’s their job. That’s the front office; the coaches do that. But that’s got nothing to do with me. I’ve learned that lesson in the past. You can’t control everything. And that’s not my job description. My job is to be the best in the world at what I do, and that’s wrecking the game.”
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