In what has been a tumultuous season for the Las Vegas Raiders, starting quarterback Geno Smith has faced another setback. Following a right shoulder injury sustained during last week’s game against the Denver Broncos, Smith has been ruled out for the upcoming road match against the Philadelphia Eagles. This absence comes as Smith’s performance had already fallen short of both his own and the team’s expectations since his offseason trade from the Seattle Seahawks.
Through 13 games, Smith has accumulated 2,648 yards, with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, alongside a completion percentage of 67% and a low QBR of 32.5, ranking him 30th in the league. This context sets the stage for backup Kenny Pickett to step in, marking his second start since joining the team.
Pickett, who expressed his excitement about the opportunity to face the Eagles, has been preparing for the role by taking first-team reps throughout the week. Aidan O’Connell, the previous emergency third quarterback, will serve as the primary backup. Raiders coach Pete Carroll praised Pickett’s athleticism and intellectual approach to the game, highlighting how he has been groomed for such situations, much like Smith was during his tenure with the Seahawks.
In his extended play against the Broncos last week, Pickett demonstrated his potential, completing 8 of 11 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown during a challenging game. His performance included a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Shedrick Jackson and showcased his ability to manage high-pressure situations.
Pickett joined the Raiders after being traded from the Cleveland Browns, where he was seen as a potential starter but faced challenges due to an injury that sidelined him during the preseason. His career thus far includes playing for four teams since being drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. With 33 career games under his belt, including 25 starts, Pickett has thrown for 4,870 yards and secured a 15-10 record as a starter.
As for Smith’s prognosis, Carroll provided an optimistic update, suggesting that while Smith has dealt with a lower back injury and the recent shoulder issue, there is a “really good chance” he could return for next week’s matchup against the Houston Texans. Smith has been actively undergoing treatment, and should he recover fully, his return could pivotally impact the team’s performance.
Looking ahead to the game against the Eagles, the Raiders aim to snap their seven-game losing streak while potentially capitalizing on Philadelphia’s current struggles, as the Eagles’ offense has averaged only 16.2 points over the last five games. Pickett will benefit from the return of key players, including tight end Michael Mayer and rookie wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr., both of whom missed last week’s game due to injuries.
However, the outcome may hinge significantly on the offensive line’s ability to protect Pickett against the Eagles’ formidable defensive front. The Raiders currently rank 21st in both pass and run block win rates, which puts additional pressure on their rookie running back, Ashton Jeanty. The expected snowy and cold weather conditions in Philadelphia could necessitate a stronger focus on the run game, given the Eagles’ struggles against rushing yards recently.
As the Raiders prepare to face the Eagles, the focus is on Pickett’s ability to deliver in challenging conditions, hoping that both productivity in the run game and solid offensive performance can help halt their ongoing losing streak.
