The Raiders' challenging season took another hit on Thursday night when quarterback Geno Smith suffered an injury and Las Vegas fell 10-7 to the Denver Broncos. The defeat marked a new low point for the team, which now stands at a 2-7 record.
Smith finished with 143 passing yards and one interception before being hurt early in the fourth quarter. The injury occurred as he scrambled past Denver linebacker Nik Bonitto, who made contact with Smith's right knee. After stumbling and falling, Smith was also impacted by defensive lineman Malcolm Roach.
Kenny Pickett briefly replaced Smith before the starter returned to the field. However, Smith was later listed as questionable to continue due to a left quadriceps issue.
Adding to the team’s woes, guards Dylan Parham and Jackson Powers-Johnson both exited with ankle injuries. Coach Pete Carroll noted that Powers-Johnson is expected to miss an extended period.
"It was a brutal night for the Raiders' offense," said coach Pete Carroll after the team managed only 188 total yards.
The Raiders’ offense faltered again amid mounting injuries, with their season slipping further after a painful loss to the Broncos and a worrying night for Geno Smith.