Overview
- Smith left the Week 14 loss to the Broncos after right hand and right shoulder issues and was officially listed as questionable to return before staying in the locker room.
- Head coach Pete Carroll described Smith’s shoulder as "jammed up" and said early indications showed no damage, with further evaluation to determine next steps.
- Kenny Pickett replaced Smith and went 8-of-11 for 97 yards and a touchdown, engineering a late scoring drive that fueled calls for an extended look.
- Carroll said he hopes Smith can play next week but will not play him if he is not right, adding that Pickett and Aidan O’Connell will be prepared to go.
- After falling to 2-11, the Raiders moved to No. 2 in the projected 2026 draft order per Tankathon, and multiple mock drafts now forecast Las Vegas targeting or trading up for a first-round quarterback.