The Las Vegas Raiders and the thin line between tanking and incompetence

Las Vegas shut down their two stars, angered their leader and were humiliated by the Giants. Whether it's strategy or dysfunction, the result looks the same

The Las Vegas Raiders made waves this week by putting its two, and only, stars on injured reserve ahead of the final two games that will decide the 2026 NFL draft order. Tight end Brock Bowers and edge rusher Maxx Crosby were shut down from a consequential battle for the top draft pick against the Giants and a Week 18 game against Kansas City due to nagging knee injuries. Bowers had scored four touchdowns over the past five weeks for a team that doesn't score many points. Crosby is a human wrecking ball who has amassed 28 tackles for loss this season. He's the player that causes opponents to lose sleep. Both Bowers and Crosby were recently named to the Pro Bowl despite their nagging injuries. Bowers stepped away quietly. Crosby did not.

A fuming Crosby left the Raiders facility Friday. The next day he sent a message to the organization by posting videos of himself playing basketball with his young daughter. He did not appear particularly injured.