Raiders Quarterback Gardner Minshew Smith Plays Through Quad Bruise in Loss to Broncos

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew Smith battled through a quad contusion during yesterday’s 22-16 loss to the Denver Broncos, repeatedly returning to the game despite visible discomfort.

Smith sustained the injury during the first half but continued to play, completing 4 of 4 passes for 49 yards on one drive, the Raiders’ longest of the night. Despite his efforts, a sack and a false start forced a punt. He briefly left the game for evaluation in the medical tent during the second half, returning after cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly’s interception. “He wanted to go back in in the worse way,” Raiders coach Pete Carroll said. “He wanted to go finish the game for his teammates. He got whacked in the quad.”

As the game progressed, Smith’s mobility was noticeably limited, and the Raiders increasingly relied on running plays. A missed 48-yard field goal attempt by Daniel Carlson with 4:26 remaining proved crucial, and the Broncos subsequently controlled the clock. The Raiders, now 2-7 on the season, are facing increasing pressure to turn their season around. This loss marks their potential second four-game losing streak of the year, further complicating their playoff hopes. You can find the current NFL standings on the official NFL website.

Smith was eventually declared questionable to return, and backup quarterback Aidan Pickett did not enter the game. Carroll stated Smith “would not have been able to answer the next time out,” adding, “He wasn’t going back. But he tried.” Smith has thrown for 1,844 yards, 11 touchdowns, and a league-leading 12 interceptions this season, a significant downturn from his 2022 AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year performance with the Seattle Seahawks, where he also played under Carroll. Gardner Minshew’s player profile can be found on ESPN.

The team will use their upcoming mini-bye to allow Smith to recover before facing the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football on November 17.