Geno Smith #7 of the Las Vegas Raiders is looked over on the field after a play against Denver Broncos
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith is under scrutiny following a controversial hit during Thursday night’s matchup against the Denver Broncos. Smith went down awkwardly after a tackle by Broncos defender Nik Bonitto, sparking concerns about a potential leg injury.
The Hit That Sparked Concerns
The incident occurred during what initially appeared to be a harmless scramble. Smith, who had already absorbed five sacks in the first half, fell awkwardly, clutching his leg and wincing in pain. Trainers rushed to the field, and he spent several minutes in the blue medical tent.
Despite the scare, Smith returned to the sideline and tested his knee, performing light jogging as medical staff closely evaluated him. His determination to get back on the field showcased his grit, even as Las Vegas trailed Denver by just three points.
Bonitto’s Reaction
Nik Bonitto, the defender involved in the tackle, appeared unfazed, simply observing the situation. Meanwhile, the Raiders had to pivot quickly, with backup quarterback Kenny Pickett stepping in. Pickett is currently the only fully healthy quarterback on the roster. Cam Miller remains on the practice squad, and Aidan O’Connell is still on injured reserve.
Social Media Backlash
Smith’s return did not shield him from criticism online. On X, formerly known as Twitter, fans voiced their concerns. One user wrote, “Take Geno Smith out of the game, please.” Another pointed to Smith’s ongoing struggles, noting that he has thrown the most interceptions in the league this season, totaling 12.
Raiders’ Risk on Smith
The Raiders invested in Geno Smith during the offseason, hoping his veteran experience would stabilize an inconsistent offense. However, halfway through the season, that gamble has yet to pay off. Smith has struggled with consistency, and the team entered the Broncos game with a disappointing 2-6 record.
The loss of another starting quarterback would be a significant blow for Las Vegas. Smith’s condition will be monitored closely in the coming days, as the Raiders navigate a challenging season filled with injuries and high expectations.
Raiders QB Depth Chart
- Geno Smith – Starter
- Kenny Pickett – Backup, fully healthy
- Cam Miller – Practice squad
- Aidan O’Connell – Injured reserve
The Raiders face a critical period ahead. Managing Smith’s recovery and stabilizing the quarterback position remain key priorities as the team looks to bounce back in the second half of the season.
