With Jimmy Garoppolo sidelined due to a back injury, the Las Vegas Raiders’ 2023 season has taken a nose dive, as the team has been marred with controversy, at least from an offensive standpoint. In Garoppolo’s absence, the Raiders have turned to veteran Brian Hoyer, rather than the team’s fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, Aidan O’Connell.
Davante Adams has been vocal about his role, or lack thereof, in the team’s offense under coach Josh McDaniels. And when your star player and go-to wide receiver is unhappy, it’s only a matter of time until things start getting ugly. That’s why it’s imperative that Garoppolo, who has made five starts for Las Vegas (3-2 record) returns to the lineup sooner than later.
While it was revealed earlier this week by ESPN’s Dan Graziano that O’Connell would start against the Lions on Monday Night Football in the event that Garoppolo could not practice, that no longer appears to be the case.
According to The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, McDaniels said that Garoppolo (back) will practice on Thursday and that they’re “hopeful” he’ll play against Detroit on Monday, barring any setbacks.
#Raiders HC Josh McDaniels said QB Jimmy Garoppolo (back) will practice today and they're hopeful he'll play against the Lions on Monday barring any setbacks
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) October 26, 2023
Those in the NFL world were quick to react to Garoppolo’s positive injury update.
More Interceptions and check downs incoming, guys. No worries. https://t.co/q3jMbm99zt
— Jay BLVD (@Jay_BLVD) October 26, 2023
Hes the only one hopeful
— Bill From Jersey (@billfromjersey1) October 26, 2023
Jimmy G in line to return Monday… https://t.co/k0FXBSxfoT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2023
Dan Campbell earlier today:
"We’re assuming we’re going to see Garoppolo. I don’t know why we wouldn’t." https://t.co/W72rFRiNh0
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) October 26, 2023
They’re better off without him lol
— Parlay Prodigee (@ParlayProdigee) October 26, 2023
In his first season with the Raiders, the 31-year-old Garoppolo has completed 100-of-147 pass attempts (68 percent) for 1,079 yards with seven touchdowns against eight interceptions. The Raiders are hopeful he’ll be back under center against a 5-2 Lions team that is coming off a 38-6 loss to the Ravens. As for the Raiders, they fell 30-12 to the Bears in Week 7.
[Tashan Reed on X]
