Maxx Crosby’s cancelled trade with the Ravens stunned the NFL world and incited some controversy. Crosby had known medical concerns with his meniscus entering the trade, however it’s possible the Ravens found something unexpected during the physical.

Crosby’s surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache may have revealed the reason for the failed physical after the trade was nixed.

What did Crosby’s surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache reveal about the knee?

Read on for an excerpt of my complete analysis:

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.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Did Maxx Crosby’s surgeon leak reason for failed Ravens physical?