Did Maxx Crosby's surgeon leak reason for failed Ravens physical?
An explanation for the controversial trade cancellation
The Ravens nixing the Maxx Crosby trade due to a failed physical created a lot of controversy. Everybody already knew that Crosby was still recovering from a recent meniscus repair, so what really happened?
See my earlier article for a review of Crosby’s knee surgery and injury history:
What are possible reasons for Ravens to nix the trade?
There were 2 possible reasons for the Ravens to nix the trade. One of good faith; one of bad faith.
Good faith: A new and unexpected finding was discovered during the physical.
Bad faith: The Ravens got cold feet and changed their mind.
Some combination of both reasons is very possible.
Many insiders suspect bad faith:
However, Crosby’s surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache may have (inadvertently?) revealed the reason for the failed physical.
What did Crosby’s surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache reveal about the knee?
This is what Dr. ElAttrache said on March 11, 2026 - one day after the trade was cancelled.
The key quote is here describing the damage to the knee:
“…a significant meniscus tear and the related stress injury to the bone and cartilage in his knee.”
These words suggest that Crosby does not just have meniscus damage, but also bone and articular cartilage damage.
How could articular cartilage damage have happened?
The meniscus provides cushioning between the two bones that comprise the knee joint. When the meniscus is damaged, it increases the likelihood of damage to the articular cartilage which covers the bone surface, as well damage to the underlying bone itself.
What are the added concerns for Crosby now?
Any articular cartilage damage creates much more concern for Crosby both short and long-term. Chronic knee pain as well as a degenerative joint become more likely. There is a more of a chance that Crosby does not return to his previous form, and a steep drop off in play could occur at any time.
If the articular cartilage damage was newly discovered (or revealed) at the physical, this could absolutely explain why the Ravens felt the need to reconsider the trade and eventually cancel it.
What does this mean for Crosby moving forward?
There is now a higher concern level for any team considering a trade for Crosby. Many teams may have taken him “off their board” if this is new information to them. Thus, it will become much more difficult for the Raiders to find a trade partner willing to part with premium draft picks and pay a high salary.
So either the Raiders will need to significantly lower their trade demands, or more likely, they will plan on having Crosby play in the silver and black in 2026.
Is the meniscus (hyaline) and tibial plateau beneath not considered “cartilage and bone”?