Overview
- Pete Carroll said Geno Smith’s shoulder “locked up” after a hit and the team will monitor his status, with no belief of a major long-term injury.
- Carroll indicated he would start Smith if he is available, despite a season marked by 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
- Kenny Pickett completed 8 of 11 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown in relief against Denver, drawing strong postgame praise from Carroll.
- The loss dropped Las Vegas to 2-11 and placed the team at No. 2 in the current 2026 draft order, heightening scrutiny of the position.
- Multiple outlets have linked the Raiders to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as a possible 2026 target, a scenario still characterized as speculative.