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Kirk Cousins Explains Practice Arguments: 'My Elbow Got Hit'

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins has explained why he was involved in a heated moment during a recent team practice. Cousins said the incident happened because defenders kept hitting his arm.

According to Cousins, his elbow was hit during a play, which frustrated him. Quarterbacks are often careful about protecting their arms, since an injury there can affect their ability to throw.

The exchange included Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, one of Cousins' own teammates. Practice dustups between teammates are common in American football, especially during intense training sessions.

Cousins also had tense moments with players from the Houston Texans. He reportedly told defenders, 'Don't touch my arm,' making clear that he wanted them to be more careful around him.

Cousins explained that these kinds of arguments are a normal part of football practice, where players compete hard even without an official game taking place.

The quarterback did not seem overly concerned about the situation, describing it simply as a reaction to physical contact rather than a serious conflict.

Protecting a quarterback's arm is especially important because a starting quarterback like Cousins is central to his team's offense. Any arm injury could affect the Raiders' performance during the season.

The NFL, which is the professional American football league, often sees minor disputes like this during training. Coaches usually allow players to work things out themselves unless it becomes a bigger problem.

Vocabulary6 words

quarterback
the player who leads the attack and throws the ball
elbow
the middle joint of the arm
defensive end
a defense player who tries to stop or tackle the quarterback
practice
training sessions before real games
starting
playing as the main first-choice player in a game
NFL
the top professional American football league in the US

Quiz

1. Why did Kirk Cousins get frustrated during practice?
2. Which teammate was involved in the heated exchange with Cousins?
3. True or False: Cousins also had tense moments with Houston Texans players.

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

Las Vegas Raiders _____ Kirk Cousins has explained why he was involved in a heated moment during practice.

Cousins said the incident happened because defenders kept hitting his _____.

According to Cousins, his elbow was hit during a _____.

The exchange included Raiders defensive end Maxx _____.

Practice dustups between teammates are common in American _____.

Cousins also had tense moments with players from the Houston _____.

He reportedly told defenders, 'Don't _____ my arm.'

Cousins explained that these kinds of arguments are a normal part of football _____.

Protecting a quarterback's arm is especially important because a starting quarterback is central to the team's _____.

The _____, the top professional football league, often sees minor disputes during training.

Discussion questions

  1. Why do you think intense moments happen during sports practice?
  2. Do you think it's normal for teammates to argue during training?
  3. How important is it for athletes to protect certain body parts, like a quarterback's arm?
  4. Have you ever experienced tension during a team activity or sport?

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