The Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback Geno Smith left the Week 10 primetime game against the Denver Broncos due to an injury but managed to return despite visible discomfort. This season with Smith hasn't fully met expectations, but the veteran has been striving to improve the team's performance in recent weeks.
In Week 9, Smith led the Raiders to a close overtime loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, connecting three touchdown passes to tight end Brock Bowers. As Smith's play has improved, Las Vegas has become more competitive.
During the "Thursday Night Football" matchup in Week 10, Smith was tackled while scrambling early in the fourth quarter, just as the Broncos held a 10-7 lead. After a hit near his right knee by Denver’s Nik Bonitto, Smith stayed on the ground in pain and was later seen tending to the injury in the medical tent.
“Smith remained on the ground in some pain after being tackled, then went to the blue medical tent. He returned to the game, but was in noticeable pain and limping around.”
Despite the discomfort, Smith walked to the sideline and was eventually replaced by backup quarterback Kenny Pickett.
The Raiders suffered a narrow 10-7 defeat to the Broncos in a hard-fought defensive game.
Geno Smith’s thigh bruise forced him out temporarily, but his effort reflects the Raiders’ fight to turn the season around amid challenges.