The struggling Las Vegas Raiders offense is likely to be without quarterback Geno Smith in Week 15 due to a shoulder injury sustained in last week’s 24-17 defeat to the Denver Broncos. This injury means that Kenny Pickett may take the helm against the Philadelphia Eagles, his former team.

Smith left the game after a hit late in the third quarter, and head coach Pete Carroll mentioned that his shoulder ’locked up’, although tests revealed no structural damage. Smith had completed 13 of 21 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown at the time of his exit. In his stead, Pickett came in and managed to complete 8 out of 11 attempts for 97 yards and another touchdown.

Despite Pickett’s commendable performance, Carroll has indicated that if Smith is available, he will be the starting quarterback. “I’m going to do what I think is the right thing to do,” Carroll said regarding the plans for Week 15. “If Geno can play, that’s my thought. But I know Kenny can play. Our players understand too; that Kenny did a good job.”

Smith’s arrival in Las Vegas sparked optimism at the start of the season, but it has turned into a challenging year for the team’s offense which holds the record for the lowest scoring performance in the NFL. Currently, they are at the bottom of the AFC standings with a 2-11 record, having thrown the fewest passing yards and a staggering 14 interceptions by Smith.

If Pickett starts against the Eagles, it will mark his fourth appearance and first starting opportunity in the 2025 season. He previously spent 2024 in Philadelphia backing up Jalen Hurts, where he started one game against the Dallas Cowboys and has faced challenges since joining the Raiders.