Crosby-Cousins scuffle shows Raiders’ competitive edge at Training Camp

The Las Vegas Raiders are deep into training camp, and according to Las Vegas Sports Network’s Brandy Flores, the intensity is already showing up on the practice field.

Flores joined Sactown Sports’ The Matt and Kayla Show on Tuesday to provide an update on the Raiders, including the recent scuffle between star defensive end Maxx Crosby and quarterback Kirk Cousins.

While some reports characterized the incident as a fight, Flores, who was at practice that day, believes “scuffle” is the more appropriate description.

Crosby reportedly hit Cousins’ arm during practice and apologized before doing it again shortly afterward. Cousins eventually confronted the veteran pass rusher, grabbing him by the jersey.

HENDERSON, NEVADA – JUNE 09: Maxx Crosby #98 and Kirk Cousins #8 of the Las Vegas Raiders embrace during mandatory minicamp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on June 09, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images)

“I think he just had enough of it, and then just went immediately towards Max and was like, ‘Hey!’ and grabbed him by the jersey,” Flores explained.

The confrontation was quickly broken up, and Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak ultimately sat both players out. Flores said Kubiak viewed the incident as part of the competitive nature between two team leaders.

“They’re two leaders, and they’re pushing each other,” Flores said of Kubiak’s assessment.

Flores also believes Cousins earned some respect from his teammates by standing up to Crosby.

“I think he definitely earned the respect of some of his teammates when he did that, standing up to a guy like Max Crosby,” Flores said.

The incident may also provide a glimpse into Crosby’s mindset entering the 2026 season. After the offseason trade speculation involving the Baltimore Ravens, Flores said the Raiders star has an even bigger chip on his shoulder.

“He basically said that it has given him an extra motivation, as if he needed any already anymore, because he’s Max Crosby,” Flores said.

Crosby has reportedly been going full speed throughout camp as he works his way back from injury, and Flores expects that extra motivation to carry into the regular season.

As for the quarterback competition, rookie Fernando Mendoza has continued to make progress. After initially working behind Aidan O’Connell, Mendoza has recently moved into the second-team role and received first-team reps following the Crosby-Cousins scuffle.

HENDERSON, NEVADA – MAY 02: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks to pass during the team’s rookie minicamp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on May 02, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

“He looked really good,” Flores said. “I think that every single day you see him progress a little bit more.”

Flores believes Cousins remains the favorite to open the season as the starter, but Mendoza’s development could make the quarterback situation one of the more intriguing storylines to watch throughout the preseason.

The Raiders will get their first preseason game this week, giving Mendoza and several other young players their first opportunity to show what they can do against another team.

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

Upcoming Las Vegas Raiders Schedule

• Sunday, September 13th – vs. Miami Dolphins (Season Opener) – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – @ New Orleans Saints – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Kansas City Chiefs – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 11th – @ New England Patriots – 10:00 am PT

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