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

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins has publicly addressed the latest heated exchange during team practice, explaining that his frustration stemmed from defenders repeatedly hitting his arm.

Cousins said that his elbow was struck during a recent drill, prompting him to react strongly in the moment. For quarterbacks, protecting the throwing arm is considered essential, as any significant injury could disrupt performance for weeks or months.

The dispute reportedly involved Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, despite the two players being teammates rather than opponents. Physical confrontations of this kind are not unusual in American football, particularly during high-intensity practice sessions where players compete at near-game speed.

Cousins also described tense interactions with defenders from the Houston Texans, another team the Raiders have faced or trained against recently. According to Cousins, he told these players directly, 'Don't touch my arm,' underlining his concern about unnecessary contact to a vulnerable area.

While such altercations may look dramatic to outside observers, Cousins downplayed the significance of the incidents, framing them as a natural byproduct of the physical intensity that comes with professional football training.

As the Raiders' starting quarterback, Cousins remains central to the team's offensive strategy this season, making the protection of his arm a matter of particular importance for coaches and teammates alike.

Minor practice disputes of this nature are common across the NFL, the top professional American football league, and are typically resolved informally between players without requiring coaching intervention.

Cousins' comments suggest that, despite the heated exchanges, there is no deeper conflict between him and his teammates or opposing players, but rather a shared understanding of the physical risks involved in the sport.

The Raiders have not indicated that the incident will have any lasting impact on team chemistry or Cousins' health, and he is expected to continue preparing for upcoming games as scheduled.