Maxx Crosby placed on COVID-19 list by Raiders

In the Raiders’ biggest coronavirus-related roster move to date, Las Vegas placed Maxx Crosby on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday. The outstanding second-year pass-rusher was joined on the list by backup running back Rod Smith.

Players who are put on the COVID-19 list have either tested positive for the coronavirus or have been exposed to someone with it. Last Thursday, the Raiders put backup running back Devontae Booker on the COVID-19 list, but he was removed on Tuesday.

UPDATE: Crosby reportedly has tested positive.

Many players around the league have come on and off the list since training camps started July 28.

While it is alarming to see Crosby on it, there is still a chance he will get plenty of work in training camp this month. Crosby had 10 sacks as a rookie in 2019 and is a foundation piece for the Raiders.

UPDATE: Crosby wrote a message, which is encouraging:

No additional Raiders opted out of the 2020 season on Thursday, which was the deadline date. Three bottom-of-the-roster players opted out this week and none had a real chance of making the roster.

Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

UPDATE: The Raiders are expected to sign backup linebacker Bryce Hager. He must pass a physical. A special-teams standout, Hager spent his first five NFL season with the Rams. He will add depth to a unit that needs veteran backups. I’d expect Hager to make a strong push to make the roster.