Raiders' Cousins, Crosby involved in practice scuffle

HENDERSON, Nev. -- Tempers flared during the Raiders' eighth training camp practice on Friday. Defensive end Maxx Crosby hit quarterback Kirk Cousins twice during the team period. After Crosby hit Cousins' arm a second time, the 15-year veteran had enough. Cousins confronted Crosby, grabbing the All-Pro's jersey, as both exchanged words before being separated. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak commented that this is part of camp, but emphasized the importance of players being smart in such situations.

"Those are two leaders on our team going at it," Kubiak noted. "Obviously, fighting in a game or throwing a punch in a game would result in ejection. So we need to be smart."

Tight end Michael Mayer expressed support for Cousins, appreciating his competitive spirit as the starting quarterback. "You want him to defend your team," Mayer remarked. "He's always had that edge since the first day I met him."

Ahead of training camp, Crosby mentioned that the coaching staff had cautioned him about touching the quarterback. They understand Crosby's passion and intensity during practice, which can lead him to occasionally cross the line. Crosby reflected on his history, claiming he had been reprimanded by his college coach, Chris Creighton, for his aggressive nature. He stated, "When you get out there and bullets are flying, I'm not thinking about not finishing the play. That's just not in my nature. It's something I've been dealing with my whole career. It's not easy."

Cousins and Crosby's altercation was not the only incident on Friday; defensive lineman Jonah Laulu also punched second-year right guard Caleb Rogers during practice. Mayer described the energy in practice, saying, "We don't want to be throwing punches, but I think on any padded day of camp, there's going to be some scuffles."