The Las Vegas Raiders’ debut season with quarterback Geno Smith has been a turbulent one, though the experienced passer has aimed to steady the team’s performance in recent weeks. In Week 9, Smith led a strong offensive push in an overtime defeat to the Jaguars, finding tight end Brock Bowers for three touchdowns. His improvement had significantly boosted the Raiders’ offense.
During the Week 10 Thursday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos, Smith was forced to leave the field after an apparent leg injury. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter while the Broncos led 10-7. On a first down play, Smith scrambled before being brought down by Denver’s Nik Bonitto, who made contact around Smith’s right knee.
After an additional hit from another Broncos defender, Smith stayed down for a moment before walking to the sideline and heading to the blue medical tent.
“He returned to the game but was in visible pain and limping,”
reported team staff following the injury. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett replaced Smith until he could re-enter the game.
Before the injury, Smith was near the 100-yard passing mark in what had been a defensive struggle. The Raiders ultimately fell 10-7 to the Broncos, marking another close defeat. Smith’s health remains a key concern for the Raiders as they continue their season.
Geno Smith suffered a thigh bruise in the Raiders’ 10-7 loss to the Broncos but managed to return, raising questions about his condition ahead of the next game.