The Las Vegas Raiders were forced into an unexpected quarterback change on Sunday when Geno Smith left the game with a shoulder injury. The moment shifted things quickly, bringing Kenny Pickett into action as the Raiders tried to salvage their week 14 matchup.
After the game, head coach Pete Carroll didn’t offer a clear answer on what next week will look like at the quarterback position – he only said that Smith’s shoulder ”locked up” after taking a hit and that the team plans to make a decision right up to game time.
Carroll leaves the door open after Smith exits the game
Caroll explained that Smith’s shoulder tightened following the hit, causing discomfort significant enough to keep him out for the remainder of the contest. However, he does not believe the injury is long-term.
I’m going to do what I think is the right thing to do, and if Geno can play, that’s my thought.
Carroll said after the game.
Smith had been having a serviceable outing prior to exiting, completing 13 of 21 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. Once Picket entered, the Raiders continued trying to claw back offensively. Pickett connected on eight of his 11 attempts, throwing for 97 yards and one touchdown of his own.
Despite both quarterbacks finding the end zone, Las Vegas still fell to 2-11, leaving the organization with more questions than answers heading into week 15.
Raiders evaluating short-term plan and long-term direction
Even before Sunday’s injury setback, Smith’s first season in Las Vegas has produced uneven results. He is completing 67 percent of his throws through week 14, totaling 2,648 passing yards with 16 touchdowns– but the interceptions have piled up. His 14 interceptions are tied for the most in the league, contributing to an offense that ranks near the bottom of the NFL in passing production.
With four games left, the Raiders’s quarterback situation now becomes part evaluation, part caution. If Smith’s shoulder responds well in practice, Carroll appears ready to send him back out as the starter. Pickett will take over again and receive a second extended look.
Picket handled the moment well in relief, and coaches will want to see how he manages full-game responsibilities should Smith be unavailable.
At 2-11, Las Vegas is playing not only for results but also clarity heading into 2026. Who finishes the year under center could influence offseason discussions and where the team invests resources moving forward.
Whether it’s Smith’s returning or Pickett stepping in again, the Raiders are reaching the stage of the season where performance is less about playoff implications and more about identifying who fits into their plans when next year begins.
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