Geno Smith Leaves Week 14 With Right Hand and Shoulder Injury Concerns

Raiders QB exits twice in loss to Broncos as injury uncertainty grows

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith was forced out of Sunday’s Week 14 matchup against the Denver Broncos with concerning right hand and right shoulder injuries, raising new questions for a Raiders team already eliminated from postseason contention.

Smith first came up shaking his right hand after taking a hard hit on a third-down pass early in the second half. Though he attempted to play through it - returning after being evaluated by trainers -his day quickly unraveled.

Smith Leaves Twice With Two Different Injuries

After briefly returning and leading the Raiders into the red zone, Smith did not come back out for the fourth quarter. The team initially listed him as questionable to return with a right hand injury, but after his second exit, updated his status to a right shoulder injury. The Raiders have not yet provided additional specifics.

Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, acquired earlier this season after Aidan O’Connell’s preseason injury, replaced Smith to start the fourth quarter. Pickett completed a short 2-yard pass on third down but missed Brock Bowers on fourth-and-goal as the Raiders came up empty.

Before exiting for good, Smith went 8-of-13 for 71 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a strong opening drive capped by a 15-yard strike to rookie tight end Brock Bowers.

Raiders’ Season Continues to Spiral

Smith entered Week 14 with 2,532 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, but the Raiders’ problems extend far beyond quarterback. Sitting at 2–10, Las Vegas has long been eliminated from playoff contention and continues a two-decade stretch of postseason frustration—no playoff wins since 2002 and just one appearance since relocating to Las Vegas.

Special teams miscues and defensive lapses again hurt the Raiders on Sunday, including a 48-yard Broncos punt return touchdown that flipped early momentum.

Geno Smith Injury Insight

At Sports Injury Central, the key evaluation points moving forward will include:

  • Right hand injury concern: Grip strength and ball security are critical for any quarterback. Even a mild sprain or contusion can severely impact accuracy.

  • Right shoulder issue: More significant long-term concern. For right-handed QBs, this affects velocity, downfield power, and throwing mechanics.

  • Return timeline: Smith’s ability to practice midweek will be the strongest indicator of whether this is a short-term issue or something that could sideline him heading into Week 15.

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