Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith suffered a quad contusion during Thursday night’s 10-7 defeat against the Denver Broncos. The injury occurred early in the fourth quarter as Smith attempted to scramble past linebacker Nik Bonitto. Despite visible discomfort, Smith returned briefly before being ruled questionable to continue. The Raiders now sit at 2-7 on the season, with Smith’s status uncertain ahead of their Week 11 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Smith sustained the injury on November 6 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas during a divisional clash with Denver. The incident happened as Smith was tripped and then hit by defensive lineman Malcolm Roach. Trainers attended to him before he entered the medical tent. Smith later returned to the field but was limited to handoffs due to reduced mobility. The Raiders leaned on Ashton Jeanty for four consecutive runs before Smith attempted one incomplete pass on third down.
Game Performance and Injury Impact
Smith completed 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards, with zero touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked six times and posted a 60.3 passer rating. His most productive drive included four completions for 49 yards, marking the team’s longest possession of the night.
The Raiders’ offense managed just 188 total yards and 10 first downs, while kicker Daniel Carlson missed a potential game-tying field goal late in the fourth quarter.
Quotes and Reactions
Head coach Pete Carroll praised Smith’s toughness: “He wanted to go back in in the worst way.” Carroll added, “It’s not like some other injuries. This is not one that he can’t get back from.”
Smith downplayed the severity postgame: “Obviously, I just played a game, so it’s not feeling the best, but I’ll be better as the days go along, hopefully.”
Season Outlook and Team Standing
The loss drops Las Vegas to 2-7, placing them near the bottom of the AFC standings. Smith’s injury compounds a difficult season, as he leads the league with 12 interceptions through nine games. His current totals include 1,844 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, a decline from his 2022 AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year campaign with Seattle.
The Raiders are now at risk of a four-game losing streak, and Smith’s health will be pivotal in determining their competitiveness moving forward.
What’s Next: Recovery and Upcoming Matchup
The Raiders enter a mini-bye week before facing the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, scheduled for November 17. Smith’s recovery will be closely monitored, with backup Kenny Pickett expected to take first-team reps if Smith is unavailable.
Carroll and team medical staff will reassess Smith’s condition early next week.
